Editing
Are you a self-publishing author who needs help improving the structure of your book or website, or polishing the language, grammar, and other mechanics essential to a high-quality product? Perhaps you work for an organization whose documents could benefit from a trained professional who can raise the level of accuracy, clarity, and consistency of the written materials you show the world.
Lana can help you.
Each document — print or online — is unique. Before beginning an editing project, Lana will work with you to understand your communication goals and define the project’s scope. This usually involves a meeting or phone discussion about your target audience, time frame, and budget, as well as a review of an excerpt from the document to determine the type(s) of edit it requires.
For example, your document may benefit from one or more of the following services. Please view Lana’s portfolio for samples.
Developmental editing: Analysis of audience and development of the document’s concept and outline
Substantive editing: Identification and correction of big-picture problems related to structure, flow, language and tone, logic, and completeness; editing scope could also include writing or rewriting to address substantive issues
Stylistic editing: Clarification of meaning, removal of unnecessary jargon, and polishing of language and tone
Copy editing: Identification and correction of issues with grammar, spelling, word usage, punctuation, references and citations, consistency of style, and use of headings, graphics, and tables
Fact checking: Verification of factual accuracy of text and/or references
Based on the defined project scope, Lana will provide a written fee estimate and a draft contract for your review and approval. (See the Editors’ Association of Canada’s standard freelance editorial agreement, which Lana uses as a starting template.) Contact her for a no-obligation quote on your project.
Frequently asked questions about editing
How long does editing take?
Different types of editing require different time periods to complete properly. The schedule for a substantive editing project, for example, can elapse over months as author and editor work through major revisions, whereas a copy editing or proofreading project might take as little as a week or two depending on the length of the document.
Editing effort primarily depends on the length of the work, the complexity of the subject, and the degree of change required to raise the document to professional standards. As a rule of thumb, editing productivity rates are as follows (note that a “page” is about 250 words):
- Substantive editing: 2-4 pages per hour (with little rewriting)
- Stylistic editing: 3-6 pages per hour
- Copy editing with few stylistic changes: 5-8 pages per hour
- Proofreading: 6-10 pages per hour
How much does editing cost?
Lana will prepare a fixed quote for your project based on the type and extent of edit required. She will not charge more than estimated unless there is a change in scope, in which case she will ask for your approval before spending any extra time.
Contact Lana for a no-obligation quote on your project.
Can I review the edits that are made to my work?
Absolutely. Lana typically edits Word documents on-screen using the track changes and comments features so all edits are clearly visible and reversible. Authors have the right to accept or reject any suggested changes.
Will an editor change my voice?
A good editor will not change your voice; she or he will enable it to be more clearly heard by your intended readers.
My English skills are quite good; why should I hire a professional editor?
Professional editors, like Lana, are rigorously trained on structure, tone, voice, grammar, punctuation, word usage, and other elements of style, content, and form. Editors are also objective and bring fresh eyes to an author’s work. A neutral editor will see what an author, who is immersed in his or her content, simply cannot.
See the Editors’ Association for five more good reasons for hiring a professional editor.
