Copy Editing, Proofreading, Manuscript Evaluations, and Beta Reading

What’s the Difference Between Proofreading and Copy Editing?

A lot of people confuse the terms “proofreading” and “editing” and don’t know the difference. There is a difference, and I want to help you understand what that is.

Copy Editing

• Checks for grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors. However, editing is done earlier in the writing process than proofreading and is more in-depth.
• I can help with word choice and improve the quality and flow of the writing overall by evaluating things like repetitiveness, smothered verbs, active voice, and more.
• You’ll receive a Word document of your manuscript with edits plus questions and suggestions in the comments to help you tighten up the language and grammar and to help make sure there’s a consistent style.
• When I return the document to you, I will provide an overview of what I’ve done, the recurring issues I found, and how to handle the edits to the manuscript.
• Upon request (for books only), you will also receive a style sheet detailing style decisions and word choices specific to your manuscript (this can be a great help to your proofreader later on or to keep things consistent for future books in the same series).
• I’m available afterward for questions you may have.

Proofreading

• This is the last step in the editing process and the last chance to check for any grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors before publishing.
• There is no altering content at this point. This is just about pointing out any egregious errors so that you can fix them before going to print.
• Usually, it is done after the book has been formatted and designed, but not always.
• You will be provided with a marked-up copy of your PDF manuscript that indicates where the issues are when this service is completed.
• I’m available afterward for any question you may have.

What is Beta Reading?

The beta reader reads the book and gives general feedback to the author from a reader’s perspective about the plot, the characters, the pace, etc. This gives the author a chance to adjust any issues with the story before it reaches a general audience.

• You will receive a Word document of your manuscript with comments from a reader’s perspective throughout.
• You’ll receive answers to an extensive list of questions about the manuscript, such as if there are plot holes, character development issues, pacing problems, world-building glitches, etc.
• You’re welcome to provide your own list of questions for us to answer about your manuscript from a reader’s perspective.

Manuscript Evaluations

We are now offering Manuscript Evaluations! Have you recently written a book but you’re not sure if it’s any good? Are you not sure it’s ready to be edited yet and you want someone to go through it and tell you the strengths and weaknesses and give helpful suggestions? I can help with that. This is for either fiction or nonfiction books. With my manuscript evaluations, you’ll receive:

• A Word document of your manuscript with comments throughout that provide genuine, detailed feedback from a professional viewpoint.
• A Manuscript Evaluation document that goes through the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript chapter by chapter, including suggestions.
• A one-hour Debrief Call in which you lead the conversation so that you can ask whatever questions you may have about the feedback you received and discuss possible next steps!

So, if any of these options pique your interest, please click the “Contact Me” button below to fill out a contact form or email me directly at ceylano@ozeditorialservices.com.