Substantive editing

Substantive editing is also known as content editing or comprehensive editing. It involves:

• tightening or rearranging passages
• restructuring chapters
• removing or adding plots, characters, or scenes
• recalibrating pacing
• strengthening logical connections

A substantive edit is a significant undertaking. It requires additional work from the author but can greatly improve a manuscript.

Copy editing

Because different style guides have different preferences, copy editing is also known as copyediting. Confusing? Not to a copy editor! A manuscript is ready to be copy edited when the only remaining errors are stylistic or grammatical. Copy editing involves:

• correcting grammar and spelling
• checking facts
• fine-tuning and standardizing style
• ensuring that details are consistent
• clarifying confusing passages

Copy editing is different from proofreading, which involves checking for typos, production errors, etc.

Academic Editing

I provide copy editing services for articles and dissertations in a number of academic disciplines. More details are available here.