Proofreading
Spelling: Is everything spelled correctly? (And this doesn't mean simply running a spellcheck program, which can often lead to words that are spelled correctly, but are incorrect in context.)
Punctuation: Are all your commas in place? Should there be a semicolon here? Should that period/comma be inside or outside the parentheses/quotation marks? Should this word or phrase be hyphenated?
Grammar: Then or than? Their, they’re or there? Its or it’s? Affect or effect? Are person-number agreement and verb tenses consistent?
Copy editing
Everything included in proofreading, while also focusing on the content itself. Is the sentence structure correct? Is everything consistent?
Editing
More extensive proofreading and copy editing. Is there a better, clearer way of expressing this? Is that the correct word? Are you repeating yourself? Should this be a new paragraph? Is there something missing there? Does that word mean what you think it means?
Substantive/line editing
This could almost be termed a rewrite, mainly needed by people who know what they want to say and have all the necessary information, but are not sure how to most effectively organize or express their thoughts. Substantive editors have professional editing and writing skills, and this level of editing requires the most interaction.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
British English editing
I have many years of experience working with UK/British English copy. Are you a British writer who needs copy adapted to American English? Do you have copy that needs to be adapted to a British audience? I specialize in British spelling, punctuation, usage, terminology... even cultural references and slang.
Non-native (ESL) language editing
Is English not your first language? I specialize in non-native copy, and can make anything you write sound like it was written by a native English speaker. Have you had copy translated into English that just doesn’t read properly? I pay special attention to literal translations, which sound awkward in English, and rewrite them to flow naturally.
Style manuals
I can use your own style, or adapt to the established style guide of your choice: Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, Words into Type or even Strunk & White (The Elements of Style). If you’re not sure, I’ll use the appropriate style for your particular job.
www.linkedin.com/in/laurierusso
Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 14061813
Laurie Russo Editorial Services Ltd.
Spelling: Is everything spelled correctly? (And this doesn't mean simply running a spellcheck program, which can often lead to words that are spelled correctly, but are incorrect in context.)
Punctuation: Are all your commas in place? Should there be a semicolon here? Should that period/comma be inside or outside the parentheses/quotation marks? Should this word or phrase be hyphenated?
Grammar: Then or than? Their, they’re or there? Its or it’s? Affect or effect? Are person-number agreement and verb tenses consistent?
Copy editing
Everything included in proofreading, while also focusing on the content itself. Is the sentence structure correct? Is everything consistent?
Editing
More extensive proofreading and copy editing. Is there a better, clearer way of expressing this? Is that the correct word? Are you repeating yourself? Should this be a new paragraph? Is there something missing there? Does that word mean what you think it means?
Substantive/line editing
This could almost be termed a rewrite, mainly needed by people who know what they want to say and have all the necessary information, but are not sure how to most effectively organize or express their thoughts. Substantive editors have professional editing and writing skills, and this level of editing requires the most interaction.
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
British English editing
I have many years of experience working with UK/British English copy. Are you a British writer who needs copy adapted to American English? Do you have copy that needs to be adapted to a British audience? I specialize in British spelling, punctuation, usage, terminology... even cultural references and slang.
Non-native (ESL) language editing
Is English not your first language? I specialize in non-native copy, and can make anything you write sound like it was written by a native English speaker. Have you had copy translated into English that just doesn’t read properly? I pay special attention to literal translations, which sound awkward in English, and rewrite them to flow naturally.
Style manuals
I can use your own style, or adapt to the established style guide of your choice: Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, Words into Type or even Strunk & White (The Elements of Style). If you’re not sure, I’ll use the appropriate style for your particular job.
www.linkedin.com/in/laurierusso
Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 14061813
Laurie Russo Editorial Services Ltd.