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?

 

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 is analysed as a whole, along with all the "big-picture" elements - plot, character, pacing, themes, dialogue etc. A structural edit includes a report that identifies problems and inconsistencies, and suggests possible solutions. Your manuscript is marked up in Microsoft Word's Track Changes and comments and queries are added. 

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Manuscript Assessment

 

Depending upon the level of editing required, a manuscript assessment may be more useful. A manuscript assessment is a report on all the elements of a structural edit but without Microsoft Word's Track Changes. A manuscript assessment is perfect when more rewrites are needed (the manuscript will likely go through some major changes during this process). 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. Copyediting is an important part of the publishing process but it's not always necessary before sending a manuscript to an editor or agent. 

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If you would like to check your manuscript, document or website for accuracy, style, grammar and tone and want more details on rates, click here.

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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 ten pages (usually around two-thirds of the way through your manuscript). The cost of which is deducted from the 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. For a quote or more information see our Rates page.  

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Proofreading

• 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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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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Other editing services include Query/Synopsis Editing and Brainstorming Services. 

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