I often see requests for proofreading, but after a few questions to the author it becomes obvious they are not anywhere close to the proofreading step of publishing. So, what type DO you need? First let's talk about what types I offer.

Manuscript evaluation

With a manuscript evaluation I read your entire manuscript and draft a letter with comments and suggestions mostly focused on your questions and concerns. I look at genre conventions and see where you are on the right path and where you may be stretching and let you know what may be concerning. I search for plot holes and suggest ways to close them. I sus out character issues and point out the hits and misses of character motivation.

A manuscript evaluation works even if you have not yet finished your manuscript. It’s great for when you have a partial manuscript or that first draft you aren’t sure is worth continuing. Developmental edits are time intensive! And thus, are expensive (or should be— if it’s not you should question your editor’s credentials). A manuscript evaluation is a more budget friendly option. Instead of a ten page or longer letter and a ton of inline comments to wade through, you’ll get one or two pages that address your specific concerns.

Copyedit

This is more than just checking spelling or grammar, although that is included. When I perform a copyedit I check for consistent details, minimize repetition and info dumping, and watch for over explanation. Don’t forget, you need to trust your readers! I look out for dialogue and actions that are authentic for your characters and point out places where you are telling when you could be showing. I also keep my eagle eye out for timeline issues and do a bit of fact-checking.

A copyedit is the time where you can develop and polish your story. An editor’s job is to give another set of eyes and make suggestions not to rewrite and take over the author’s voice. The copy edit should only take place after you have done a thorough self-edit, this will save you time and money. You may stay at this step for a round or two and that is completely acceptable.

Proofread

Last but not least, proofreading. And I do mean LAST and definitely NOT LEAST. The proofread is completed as the final step before publishing. It should be formatted and laid out exactly how it will be in readers’ hands. I check for spelling and word choice errors, plus alignment and formatting issues. The goal of a proofread is to make the fewest changes possible while also ensuring the reader is not taken out of the story by errors.