Types of Editing

LIGHT COPYEDITING
Light copyediting is appropriate when all phrasing is exactly how the author wants it. At this level, I am concerned only with indisputable errors: I correct minor errors and point out larger errors that require full redrafting. I ignore small instances of imprecise wording and infelicitous language. Long passages that are excessively wordy or convoluted are noted, but not revised.

Mechanics

• Edit for consistency in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviation, and other mechanical matters

Language

• Correct all minor indisputable errors in grammar, syntax, and usage
• Point out indisputable errors that necessitate rewriting
• Point out paragraphs that seem excessively wordy or convoluted

Content

• Query factual inconsistencies and statements that seem incorrect

Numbering and Labeling of Notes, Lists, Tables, and Figures

• Check contents page against chapters; check numbering of footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures
• Check alphabetization of bibliography or reference list; read footnotes, endnotes, or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list

MEDIUM COPYEDITING
Medium copyediting attends to accuracy and readability. I correct all indisputable errors, including formulations that require full redrafting. I also revise or suggest alternatives to infelicitous formulations, and I examine content for clear, coherent organization.

Mechanics

• Edit for consistency in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviation, and other mechanical matters

Language

• Correct all errors in grammar, syntax, and usage, revising if necessary
• Revise or point out any infelicities: passive constructions, ambiguities, imprecise wording, awkward constructions, wordiness, slang, unclear transitions
• Point out and suggest revisions for patches that seem wordy or convoluted
• Point out terms likely to be new to readers

Content

• Query any facts that seem incorrect; selectively verify content
• Query faulty organization and gaps in logic

Numbering and Labeling of Notes, Lists, Tables, and Figures

• Check contents page against chapters; check numbering of footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures
• Check alphabetization of bibliography or reference list; read footnotes, endnotes, or in-text citations against bibliography or reference list

HEAVY COPYEDITING
Heavy copyediting attends to the same elements as medium copyediting, but includes more revision from the editor.

Mechanics

• Edit for consistency in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, abbreviation, and other mechanical matters

Language

• Correct all errors in grammar, syntax, and usage, revising if necessary
• Revise any infelicities: passive constructions, ambiguities, imprecise wording, awkward constructions, wordiness, slang, unclear transitions
• Rewrite any wordy or convoluted patch
• Ask for or supply definition of terms likely to be new to readers

Content

• Verify facts and supply any necessary revisions
• Query or fix faulty organization and gaps in logic

Numbering and Labeling of Notes, Lists, Tables, and Figures

• Check contents page against chapters; check numbering of footnotes or endnotes, tables, and figures
• Check alphabetization of bibliography or reference list; read footnotes, endnotes, in-text citations against bibliography or reference list

DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
I offer developmental editing for documents in the humanities and select areas within the social sciences. Also known as substantive editing, developmental editing examines the document as a whole for clear, effective organization and argumentation. At this level of editing, I am concerned primarily with structure and content; a full treatment of matters of grammar, mechanics, and usage would require a separate edit. Specifically, developmental editing addresses the following:

• Document organization and flow
• Relationship between argument and supporting evidence
• Relationship between the introduction, arguments, and conclusion
• Inconsistencies and gaps in content
• Development and structure of paragraphs
• Wordiness, jargon, and convoluted passages