What Will I Get from Copyediting?
Copyediting is a process that evaluates and improves the spelling, grammar, syntax, flow, and small-scale organization of your writing. A document that is fully complete is ready for copyediting. Copyediting creates a consistent voice in the document and removes redundancies that would hinder understanding of the content.
When you get copyediting, you will also receive a style sheet. A style sheet lists key proper nouns, numbers, dates, and other valuable information sourced from the text. If changes need to be made to the content, the style sheet can be referenced to ensure that any new content is accurate and consistent with the rest.
Copyediting also gives the editor a chance to highlight any potential legal issues or permissions that may need to be acquired for certain content to be used. If you have any references, short or long, to another person’s content, the copyeditor can let you know to check with the original creator and see if you need to pay for permissions. It is not the copyeditor’s job to get these permissions for you, or to remove potentially risky legal content, but rather to inform you so you can make the best decision possible for your project.
Why Do I Need Copyediting?
Copyediting provides a second pair of eyes with the experience necessary to know what will and won’t work for your particular project. A copyeditor will let you know if any changes need to be made, and if they see any potential issues. Copyediting also strengthens existing passages and smooths the flow section by section within a work. A project that undergoes copyediting comes out of it stronger, more consistent, more appealing, and more complete.
How Long Does Copyediting Take?
Copyediting generally takes three to five weeks. It can take more or less time depending on how heavy the copyediting is, and how long the document is.
How Much Does Copyediting Cost?
Every project is different. For a true quote and a sample edit, please contact me. A good source of information about standard rates is available at the Editorial Freelancers Association page.
Rough estimates for projects of varying lengths:
A 30k word project would range between 15 and 30 hours, and would cost between $500 and $1,350.
A 60k word project would range between 30 and 60 hours, and would cost between $960 and $2,700.
A 100k word project would range between 50 and 100 hours, and would cost between $1,600 and $4,500.
A 120k word project would range between 60 and 120 hours, and would cost between $2,000 and $5,400.
A flat project fee is only offered in certain circumstances; usually by-the-hour costs are standard, with the editor tracking their time and billing you at regular intervals. Rush fees for quick turnaround apply.
The Final Word on Copyediting
Copyediting is a valuable service that improves the quality of a document in both measurable and immeasurable ways. Copyediting is worth the investment to provide the best impression for your work on its readers and to solidify your reputation as a strong and consistent writer. If you find yourself asking, “Does my work flow smoothly and keep the reader’s attention?”, then copyediting may be a great fit for your project.
