While both forms of editing are designed to “clean up” a text, each has a distinct purpose and place in the editing process. Once your draft has gone through a substantive edit, your work is now in the “copy” phase, simply meaning “matter to be printed.” At this point, a copyeditor works to polish the writing while maintaining your authorial voice. During copyediting, your editor will identify and correct things like grammar, spelling, style and tone deviations, misused words, clunky transitions, and confusing syntax. After the copyedit, your piece should be cohesive, clear, and adhere to your selected style guide.

Next, your manuscript will be typeset (whether by you or your publisher) into a “galley proof” or “proof,” the last step before publication. Proofreading is done by a specialized editor and is typically the final opportunity to identify mechanical errors, including those related to spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and overall formatting. While many larger publishers will have their own in-house proofreaders, smaller publishers and indie presses may rely on the author to do their own proofreading.

We understand that fees for professional, labor-intensive services such as ours can be cost prohibitive for students, military personnel/veterans, early career and contingent scholars, or those in a period of unemployment. While we do not have a set discount system, we do offer free consultations and are willing to find a solution (one a case-by-case basis) that both honors our investment in you and appreciates your particular circumstances.

While we will edit or format your work to be as polished as possible, we cannot guarantee that your work will be published, your resume will land you a job, or your admissions essay will get you into school. But we promise that we will exert every effort to make your work engaging, clear, and a true representation of you and your hard work. We do not offer refunds for services rendered.

Unless you prefer to make full payment at the start of services, we will send you a detailed quote for services along with an invoice containing payment options. Generally, we will request a 50% deposit at the start of services with the remaining 50% due upon completion of services. However, more complex projects may be broken into smaller completion steps with invoices for each step.

Turnaround time will depend on the type of editing/formatting requested and length of manuscript. Depending on how quickly you need your project returned to you, we will add a rush fee to your invoice of 10-15% of the total cost. For example, if you have a mid-level resume or curriculum vitae that needs editing ($215, returned in one to two weeks), but you need it back in less than a week, we may charge $236.50-$247.25. All fees will be included in your quote prior to the start of services.