Words Worthwhile

Structural Editing

 

• Has your manuscript been through a number of drafts?

• Are you looking to submit to agents or publishers? 

• Are you considering self publishing? 

• Do you need a new perspective?

 

If so, then a structural edit may be for you. 

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Whether you're a published or aspiring author, structural editing is the first step towards a polished manuscript. It is the most intensive of the three types of editing and is often the first level of editing for a manuscript. 

 

Structural editing is a creative process. The manuscript as a whole along with all the "big picture" elements are analysed. A structural edit identifies problems and inconsistencies and possible solutions are suggested. 

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Manuscript Assessment

 

Depending upon the level of editing required, a manuscript assessment may be more useful. Although a manuscript assessment focuses on the same elements as a structural edit, the service is limited to a structural report, without the detailed Track Changes on the manuscript. This is because a manuscript is likely to go through some major changes after a manuscript assessment and it may be a better use of your time and budget to acquire a more extensive edit after further rewrites. You can find out about our Manuscript Assessment rates here. 

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Copyediting

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• Have you completed a structural edit? 

• Would you like to ensure your manuscript, document or website is clear, concise and correct before publication?

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A copyedit is also known as a line edit and it's likely what most people think of when they think of editing. It's a more detailed analysis of a manuscript or document - line by line. A copyedit is made entirely on the manuscript using Microsoft Word's Track Changes and includes a short report on any major changes or questions, and a style sheet. So if you need a check for accuracy, style, grammar and tone and want more details on rates, click here.

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Copyediting is an important part of the publishing process but it's not always necessary before sending to an editor or agent. 

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It's important to find an editor who understands your goals and your manuscript, which is why we suggest a sample edit to begin with. A sample edit is feedback on the first ten pages. The cost of which is deducted from the copy edit quote for the whole manuscript. A sample edit helps both you and the editor - you get to see the kind of feedback you can expect and the editor can provide a more accurate quote. 

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Proofreading

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• Are you happy with your manuscript?

• Are you ready to self-publish?

• Do you need that extra pair of eyes to check for those niggly little errors?

• Have you completed a structural edit and a copyedit?

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Yes? Then, this is usually the time to do a final proofread. Ideally, proofreading is done by someone other than the writer. It's a check for spelling, grammar, accuracy and all the little errors that might have been missed in previous edits. It is the final process in achieving a polished manuscript or document. 

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