International Women’s Day

by Sara Davies | Mar 10, 2020 | proofread

This is my post for International Women’s Day (ok, I know it’s a bit late), as I am a woman running a small business, so I’m trying to do my bit.I run a freelance copy editing and proofreading business based in Southampton in the UK. I am happy to take on any work, whether it be an email, blog, CV or resume, article, essay, thesis, magazine, website or book. I’ve edited all of them and will happily carry on editing them all.

While I obviously work for local and national customers, I have regular international customers too. I will work with anyone from around the world. I accept payments through PayPal, so that shouldn’t be a problem for most of you.

If you have any document that needs copy editing or proofreading, then get in touch with me. I guarantee I will respond and do all I can to make your document(s) perfect. I have excellent English-language skills, and always work quickly and accurately. Most importantly, I will provide you with an exceptional service!

I guarantee a great service at a very affordable price. Just ask any of my previous customers and they will all vouch for me.

I will edit or proofread any InDesign, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Libre Office or PDF (annotate) document you have.

I have a lot of positive feedback on my Testimonials page, so please take a look to see their comments. I also have reviews on Facebook, Yell, Yelp, Free Index and My Local Services. I always do my best work when people really need me, so please take a look at the services I offer and get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you!

#IWD2020 #EachforEqual

What Is the Definition of Editing?

by Sara Davies | Mar 6, 2020 | proofread

The most common answer: correcting misspelt words or adding a comma where it belongs. That’s somewhat correct, but only the tip of the iceberg. The editing process involves many sets of eyes and several layers to complete.

It’s important to understand the different types of editing to know what to expect from the process, especially for self-publishing authors. Why? The revision levels focus on specific individual needs, including stylistic and substantive content. For simplicity, we’ll divide editing types into four main categories: content and development, line, copy and proofread.

The Steps Simplified

Step 1: Content and Development Edit

The first step for most manuscripts is content and development editing – reviewing the meat of the story, plot and characters. Developmental editing tackles the following:

• Flow;
• Organisation;
• Chapter (arrangement, length and number);
• Character voices;
• Dialogue;
• Plot and subplot;
• Pacing; and
• Impact of POV (first, second, third or combination).

Content and development edits can and will sometimes result in revisions to chapter order or construction, and even additional chapters written. Do chapters alternate between the hero and heroine, shifting from first to third person point of view? Content editors eat that up! They’ll ensure the third POV is following singular or omniscient rules, and that the audience connects with the character.

Step 2: Line Edit

Line edits focus primarily on sentence and paragraph structure with attention to:

• Words or phrases that are repetitious;
• Restructuring sentences that are not complete or inaccurate;
• Run-on sentences;
• Usage of words that clarify meaning; and
• Enhancing boring wording.

A line edit restructures sentences to elevate clarity and flow. Say there are two sentences describing something really important, but they don’t quite pull together. During this step, the line editor will take the two sentences apart and tease them until they read effortlessly.

Step 3: Copy Edit

The mechanics happen during the copy edit, focusing on specific rules, including but not limited to:

• Grammar and punctuation;
• Spelling nuances (for example, British English versus American English);
• Capitalisation, hyphenation, italicision; and
• When to use numbers instead of letters.

The copy edit can and should be automated using rules. Every editor uses two to three references to maintain consistency – specifically, a dictionary and a style manual. For fiction, the Chicago Manual of Style is widely used and accepted. Use of dictionaries should be selective to ensure spelling is primarily standard English wherever you reside or want your publication published. If you’re looking for an international or US audience, the Merriam-Webster dictionary is most common. If you’re aiming for a European or UK audience, I would recommend the Oxford English dictionary.

It’s also important to note, there are subtle differences between style manuals (APA, MLA, CMS, Chicago and so on), and dictionaries. This can be frustrating when semantics come into play about an edited final product. Using the same style manual and dictionary throughout will ensure consistency.

The copy editor can and should provide a style sheet, pointing out rules as they pertain to the revisions made. Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style is helpful, but the copy editor should provide the changes as they relate to the CMS for relevance as well as improving writing skills.

Step 4: Proofread

The proofread is the final, and hopefully, painless phase. A proofreader has the last shot at the manuscript and looks for:

• Spelling errors;
• Words that sound the same but are spelt differently;
• Correct usage of quotation and punctuation marks;
• Dialogue;
• Missed words (of, and, the); and
• Unwanted spaces.

Proofreading falls outside the technical realm of general editing. In-depth accounting for content and flow should occur before a proofread. A proofreader isn’t expected to critique or provide an exhaustive review.

A Few Pointers

It’s easy to see how manuscripts come together using this methodology, right?

There are common misconceptions. Content and development editors aren’t responsible for grammar and punctuation. Line and copy are often confused, although it’s clear that sentence structure and grammar rules are different focuses. The same problem arises with copy edits and proofreads.

Hopefully it’s clear why the editing steps don’t often occur out of order.

Every piece is essential. Sometimes steps are skipped or omitted. It’s also not unheard of to use multiple proofreaders to polish the final product. Regardless, several editing style combinations based on skill level are possible.

And Then There’s Everything Else

Editing a novel can be daunting. Knowing and understanding what to expect each step of the way is part of the process. Remember, when working with an editor, or as an editor working with a writer, stay open to suggestions and discussion. Sometimes discussing revisions sparks ideas.

Importantly, don’t rush the process. Editing is the last step of writing the novel. At best, it’s harrowing aligning calendars to finalise cover art, formatting, marketing and a million other tasks that coincide at the same time. Taking the time to work through these layers will deliver a sound product.

If you have any document that needs copy editing or proofreading, then get in touch with me. I guarantee I will respond and do all I can to make your document(s) perfect. I have excellent English-language skills, and always work quickly and accurately. Most importantly, I will provide you with an exceptional service!

I guarantee a great service at a very affordable price. Just ask any of my previous customers and they will all vouch for me.

I will edit or proofread any InDesign, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Libre Office or PDF (annotate) document you have.

I have a lot of positive feedback on my Testimonials page, so please take a look to see their comments. I also have reviews on Facebook, Yell, Yelp, Free Index and My Local Services. I always do my best work when people really need me, so please take a look at the services I offer and get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you! You can also email me at [email protected].

“Sara is a pleasure to work with – affordable and very reliable”

by Sara Davies | Feb 14, 2020 | proofread

“I am a children’s author using Sara’s copy editing service. Sara is a pleasure to work with. Affordable and very reliable, quickly ironing out any worries. She delivers promptly and does everything asked of her. Loved the fact that Sara gave me feedback on my work, which was very important to me. I look forward to a long working relationship with Sara.”
– Lois Davis, UK
[copy edited & proofread series of children’s books from February 2020]

Here is my latest feedback from a very happy customer! I copy edited Mincemeat and the Incredible Train Ride, the latest in a series she has written for children. It’s very well written, and tries to instil kindness in children – a great thing to do!

Copy Edit

If you have any document that needs copy editing or proofreading, then get in touch with me. I guarantee I will respond and do all I can to make your document(s) perfect. I have excellent English-language skills, and always work quickly and accurately. Finally, I will provide you with an exceptional service!

Get In Touch!

All you have to do is visit my contact page. Just tell me the word count and type (Word, PDF, etc) of document you need edited, attach it if you want and send it (please ensure you include your email address).

I will then email you a quotation (my prices are fully negotiable), and we can take it from there! Once agreed, I will then fully copy edit and/or proofread your document for you according to your wishes.

If your document needs to follow a particular format or style (MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc), then just let me know.

I guarantee a great service at a very affordable price. Just ask any of my previous customers and they will all vouch for me.

I will edit or proofread any InDesign, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Libre Office or PDF (annotate) document you have.

I have a lot of positive feedback on my Testimonials page, so please take a look to see their comments. I also have reviews on Facebook, Yell, Yelp, Free Index and My Local Services. I always do my best work when people really need me, so please take a look at the services I offer and get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you! You can also email me at [email protected].

In-Demand Editing Service

by Sara Davies | Feb 9, 2020 | proofread

“Worked with Sara for over three years and rely on her to edit and send out documentation and submit specialised forms online. Quick worker, reliable and helpful. Happy to recommend this company!”
– Dr James Thornhill, Beech Hill Safety
[complete site documentation and edit documents, April 2017 onwards]

I got this review from James Thornhill on My Local Services last year I think. I’ve been doing a lot of work for him lately, and he is still as happy as he was then, I also have reviews of my services from other customers on Yell, Free Index and Yelp, along with my Testimonials page.

If you need any document edited or proofread, then get in touch with me. I guarantee I will respond and do all I can to make your document perfect. I have excellent English-language skills, and always work quickly and accurately. I will provide you with an exceptional service!

All you have to do is visit my contact page. Just tell me the word count and type (Word, PDF, etc) of document you need edited, attach it if you want and send it (please ensure you include your email address).

I will then email you a quotation (my prices are fully negotiable), and we can take it from there! Once agreed, I will then fully copy edit and/or proofread your document for you according to your wishes.

If your document needs to follow a particular format or style (MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc), then just let me know.

I guarantee a great service at a very affordable price. Just ask any of my previous customers and they will all vouch for me.

I will edit or proofread any InDesign, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Libre Office or PDF (annotate) document you have.

I have a lot of positive feedback on my Testimonials page, so please take a look to see their comments. I also have reviews on Facebook, Yell, Yelp, Free Index and My Local Services. I always do my best work when people really need me, so please take a look at the services I offer and get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you! You can also email me at [email protected].

New book I’m editing

by Sara Davies | Feb 8, 2020 | proofread

At the beginning of this week, I started editing Christina’s World, a dark novel written by the son of a client of mine. It is very dark – murders going on all over the place!

But it is a great story, and I’d like the viewers of this site to get the first look. It obviously isn’t published yet as it’s going through editing, but once it is, please take a look.

I provide full editing and proofreading services to whoever needs it. Whether you are a student, small business, regular emailer or blogger, writer, novelist, publisher or journalist, I am here to help. I regularly provide proofreading online.

I will ensure all your spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax are in perfect English. I will also check through any references or bibliography included in your work.

I am happy to provide a revision if you’re not happy with my initial work.

All you have to do is visit my contact page. Just tell me the word count and type (Word, PDF, etc) of document you need edited, attach it if you want and send it (please ensure you include your email address).

I will then email you a quotation (my prices are fully negotiable), and we can take it from there! Once agreed, I will then fully copy edit and/or proofread your document for you according to your wishes.

If your document needs to follow a particular format or style (MLA, Harvard, Chicago, etc), then just let me know.

I guarantee a great service at a very affordable price. Just ask any of my previous customers and they will all vouch for me.

I will edit or proofread any InDesign, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Libre Office or PDF (annotate) document you have.

I have a lot of positive feedback on my Testimonials page, so please take a look to see their comments. I also have reviews on Facebook, Yell, Yelp, Free Index and My Local Services. I always do my best work when people really need me, so please take a look at the services I offer and get in touch!

I look forward to hearing from you! You can also email me at [email protected].