Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a copyeditor and/or proofreader?

If you are sending your project out into the world without the benefit of a professional check for typographical errors and other problems, you are taking a risk. A big risk. Your reputation is at stake. Errors and typos can cost you money, lose business, and damage your reputation. Experienced writers, ad creators, website owners – content creators of all kinds depend on expert copyeditors and realize that the expense is minimal relative to the possible damage. Whether you are well-established, or just starting out, you need professional copyediting. Your writing deserves it, and so do you.

What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?

Copyediting is a very close reading of your content and is done before proofreading. Copyediting involves a deep technical approach to finding problems in your text. And while copyediting is an extremely detailed look at your text, it also considers consistency (or lack thereof) along with good flow to ensure readability. This close reading checks for correct use of foreign words, idioms, specific facts, and also includes a degree of fact-checking. But don’t worry. I won’t make changes related to fact-checking without querying you first. My copyediting will find and correct the typical errors while improving flow, clarity, and consistency – all this while preserving your writing style and voice.

Proofreading is a final painstaking reading of the content to correct any remaining typos or errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, word use, syntax, and formatting. Proofreading is the final step before publication or submission. Proofreading is a search for errors, but does not include revising or editing writing.

The process of copyediting and proofreading gives your writing the finishing touch, ensuring authority and integrity in the eyes of your audience.

How much will this work cost me?

The cost estimate will depend on the length and complexity of your content and the level of errors I see when I review your text. After my review, I will give you a price estimate. Once we agree on the price and other factors and sign a contract, I will start work.

What file formats do you accept?

A file created by Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) works best – Word is the standard of the publishing industry, so that’s what I prefer. When editing a Word file, I use the Track and Changes feature that will let you easily see the edits and queries I have made. But I will also work with a properly created PDF file, although in that case, I will convert the PDF file to a Word file. If you work in some other word-processing application such as Google Docs or Apple Pages, you can easily convert the file to a Word file before sending it to me.

I’m worried that by letting someone else work on my project, my voice or writing style will be lost. Can you guarantee this will not happen?

Absolutely. My goal is to find and correct errors and other problems – not to rewrite your text. When I copyedit text, I am careful to polish the text, make it more readable, make it flow, and return it to you error-free and ready for your next step. The object of my copyediting is to make your text grab the attention of your readers and to maintain the passion you put into your writing. In the event that I think your text needs any rewriting, I will query first to discuss the issues before any rewriting.

Do you use Artificial Intelligence in your work?

These days, many copyeditors use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to do their editing because (for them) it’s a big timesaver. They do less work and still charge their clients full price. But AI makes mistakes and can leave a big mess behind. If you’re worried about that, you can relax – because no AI will ever touch your writing here at Copy Concepts Editing. I don’t trust AI, and I don’t use it. All edits here are done by a human – me. But if you are using AI in your writing, it’s OK. I will be happy to copyedit your AI-created writing and will straighten out all the problems for you.

What reference resources or other software do you use?

For reference resources, I use the current versions of The Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press Stylebook, and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. I may also use the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Google, or various authoritative websites for fact-checking. These references set the standards for definitions, writing style, spelling, grammar, and a lot more – and ensure that your writing meets the standards of the publishing industry.

Do you accept rush jobs?

Yes. Whenever possible, I am happy to take on a rush job. Because a rush job can interrupt my usual schedule, I usually charge 25 to 50 percent over my usual rate. Use the Contact form to ask for more details.

Are you willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?

Sign a standard NDA? Absolutely. I understand the need for confidentiality and am willing to discuss any special considerations.

Do you guarantee your work?

Yes, within reason. I always strive for perfection. But everyone makes occasional mistakes. This is why I double- and triple-check my work.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I currently use PayPal for receiving payment, but of course I am open to other options that would work for both of us.

What, if anything, should I do before I send my project to you?

The fewer problems with your text, the better job I can do, the faster I can finish the job, and the lower the price will be. Before sending your text, take advantage of Word’s Editor feature to find and correct the most typical spelling and other problems. Read your text out loud, either to yourself or to someone else – this often helps find problems that might not be obvious when reading the text in your head. Create your own style sheet to keep track of how you deal with numbers, compound words, capitalization, and other issues in order to maintain consistency.

What is your workflow like? How long will this take?

For a copyedit and proofread, I will first skim through the entire project to get a feel for what it is about and for a general idea of the level of editing needed. After this I will contact you with a price estimate and estimated time to complete the work. Once we agree on those issues, I will prepare and send you a contract covering those details. When I receive the signed contract (and payment of a nonrefundable deposit), I will send the contract back to you with my signature and then start working on your project.

My usual procedure is to perform an initial copyedit. If necessary, I will prepare and use a style sheet to maintain consistency and accuracy in your text. Next, I will perform any needed fact-checking and/or research and incorporate the results into my edits, if necessary, along with any needed explanatory information. Of course, you bear full responsibility for all facts in your text. Then I will make a complete second pass of the entire project.

Finally, I do a third pass to be sure that all errors were found and corrected. However, for very complex subject matter and/or extreme length, a fourth pass is sometimes necessary. The time this takes will depend on complexity of the piece, the level of errors, and the length. I do the best I can to accurately estimate the time I think your project will take after my initial review.

After you complete your work, is it possible for us to discuss the edits over the phone if I have questions or need explanations?

Yes, of course. We can set up a free, approximately 60-minute phone call for this. If you have multiple questions, you should e-mail a list of your questions to me ahead of time so I can be ready for any detailed questions. If you want additional discussion time, I will charge a mutually agreed-upon hourly rate for that time.

I still have a few questions. How can I contact you directly?

I’m always happy to answer more questions or to provide further information. Just go to my Contact form and let me know what you need.