At Wordtryst Editorial Services we offer the following types of editing:
- A light copyedit corrects errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage as well as inconsistencies in fonts, headings, numbering, names and places. We impose industry-standard style considerations. Spelling is based on Merriam-Webster Dictionary (US English) and Oxford English Dictionary (UK English). We do NOT fact check.
- For a medium copyedit we do everything listed under light copyediting as well as rewrite headings and text to ensure consistency. We also address inconsistencies in characters, settings and plot, misuse of figures of speech and style issues. We ensure adherence to formatting and referencing guidelines (MLA, APA, etc.) and contest submission guidelines.
- A heavy copyedit includes all tasks in a medium copyedit. In addition, it improves the flow of sentences and this may involve rewriting passages rather than just flagging them. It addresses wordiness, triteness and use of language inappropriate to the audience, as well as logical organization of content. The editor may make suggestions about adding or removing information which may result in more work for the writer who must make significant revisions. After these revisions another round of editing is generally required.
- Developmental editing may include consultation before the writing begins. The editor may help to plan various aspects of the work including structure and organization, suggest formats to communicate the message, and rewrite or restructure the text to fit the message. Sentences and paragraphs may be moved to improve flow. The work is checked for consistent structure, gaps in content and logic, and also content that does not achieve the desired goal or tone of the work. Copyediting is a separate step after the developmental stage. The developmental editor does not ensure the consistency or correctness of spelling and usage, for example, or check cross-references and parallelism in running text.
METHODOLOGY
We use the Track Changes feature in MS Word which can be found within the 'Review' menu on the toolbar. This enables the client to reject specific changes by clicking on the change within the document and then on the 'Reject' button. After going through and rejecting any unwanted changes, clicking the 'Accept All Changes in Document' command in the dropdown list under the 'Accept' button completes the process.
We also attach an editorial style sheet to explain corrections/rules we apply.
