which service do you need?

Editing

Editing is carried out when the manuscript is complete, but before it is sent to the printer for layout and printing.

Some editors offer different levels of editing, but really there is only thorough editing or bad editing. A good edit will do the following, and many other things depending on the manuscript:

• correct spelling, punctuation, and syntax. We impose Australian spelling unless instructed otherwise
• impose an appropriate level of formality depending on the context of the work
• suggest changes that will support the tone of a work
• impose a 'house' style incorporating specific spellings and formats preferred by the author
• check for uniformity of headings, chapter layout, quotations, pagination, indexes and bibliographies
• spot-check references and web addresses
• check for consistency of spelling where alternatives exist (eg judgment or judgement)
• note places where phrasing is ambiguous or clumsy and suggest alternative phrases
• spot-check names and titles of people, places, books etc. for consistency
• note queries to the author where problems arise
  


Proof reading

Proofs are the sample book pages provided by your printer for checking just before the print run is begun. Proof reading is the final check of the work just before it is printed. It includes:

• correcting spelling
• amending erratic or absent punctuation
• fixing typographic errors
• checking paragraphing
• checking layout

Generally, only absolutely necessary changes are made to proofs, as altering them costs time and money. This means that proof reading is generally quicker than editing.

 
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What we will do:

We will edit or proofread your work on-line or on paper, noting all necessary changes and offering suggestions where problems arise.
 

• If we edit on-line, we will use Track Changes, part of the Word program
• If we edit a hard (paper) copy, we will provide a list of all editing marks used, with examples 

What we will not do:

We will not make any changes to your manuscript without showing what we have done. We believe authors should have the final say on what changes are made to their work.

What we need:

• a copy of your manuscript or the printer's proofs (manuscripts sent electronically must be Word attachments to an e-mail)
• a covering note requesting the service required
• instructions concerning specific spellings or styles, if you have preferences
  

Costs:

$63 per hour for all editing and proof reading.

Where to send it:

email it here as a Word attachment

Or send it to the address below. Include a return postal bag and sufficient postage (red postal bags are pre-paid):

The Book Doctor
7 The Vale
Willetton
WA 6155

Got questions? Ask us.

Prices listed here apply only until October 2010

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