Copyediting

What is copyediting?

Definitions of copyediting vary between industries, countries and professional bodies. I've been trained by the UK's Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), so I work according to their definition.

Copyediting includes:

• editing for spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation

• checking for consistency within the text (including character voice and plot continuity in works of fiction, and factual inconsistencies in non-fiction)

• editing at the sentence level, for readability and flow

• keeping the text consistent with the publisher's house style (or helping you create a house style, if you're an indie creator or publisher without one) 

• ensuring the tone of the work is appropriate for the intended audience and consistent throughout (while preserving the voice of the author)

• making sure typesetting codes (or Word/Libre/Docs heading styles) are applied correctly and consistently

• catching instances of offensive language that may have been missed by a sensitivity reader 

• drawing attention to sections that require additional context, or where key details have been omitted

• flagging up possible factual errors based on my own general knowledge

• improving the structure and organisation of the work (e.g. by using lists and chapter headings to break up the text)

Some publishers and creators prefer to split up these duties between a copyeditor and a separate 'line editor'. The CIEP don't make a distinction between copyediting and line editing, but if you do, just let me know which aspects of the edit you'd like me to focus on and I'll be happy to accommodate.

Copyediting does not include:

• Rewriting

• Beta reading

• Proofreading*

• In-depth fact-checking or research

• A critical perspective on your narrative/argument/game mechanics

• Developmental editing

• Design/layout work

• Typesetting

• Legal advice**

• Sensitivity reading (although I do also offer that service!)

Working With Me

In order to get the best out of my work, it would be helpful if you could provide a brief (a description of the work that needs doing) in your initial email. This will help me to judge whether the job is within my remit, and to structure my work appropriately if you hire me. Some things I need to know are:

• Are there any issues you've identified that you would like me to focus on?

• Does your work include tables, figures, or illustrations that need to be checked against the text?

• Do you have references or footnotes that you need to be checked against the text? 

• Do you need me to indicate style elements for your typesetter, and if so, should I do so using codes or Word styles?

• How would you like me to provide comments and queries? (e.g. in comment boxes, or as a list in a separate document?)

• What style guide would you prefer, and do you need me to apply it rigidly? (If you don't have a preference, I will prioritise consistency within the work, and refer to the New Oxford Style Manual where there's ambiguity).

If you're not sure what you need, that's okay! Just let me know, and we can discuss what would be best for you.

My rate and time estimate will vary depending on word count and the details of the work required, but I'm aware that money can be tight for indie creators and marginalised people, so I'm willing to consider payment plans. 

I have experience working in Microsoft Word, Libre Office, and Google Docs, and will use Word/Libre's Track Changes or Google Docs' Suggesting mode to suggest edits so you can easily approve or reject them as needed. 

Get in touch at rpiercefreelancing@gmail.com

"The edits [Rowan] made were fantastic for clarity, grammar and structure of the piece... would definitely use their services again." – Hazel Dixon, Creative Lead at Bobbit Worm Games and co-writer of Accessibility in Online Larp

"Rowan... provided helpful corrections and comments on a quick turnaround. I would recommend them for any proofreading work." – Miller J. Power, Archaeology Master’s Graduate at Durham University 

“I asked Rowan to edit... fiction that was being used to introduce players to [a tabletop roleplaying event's] setting. ...Rowan picked up on errors that the game team would have overlooked and helped us to rework sections of the material to better deliver the narrative we were looking for; as a result the players received a better insight into the setting." – John Exton, Game Master for The 24 Hour Game  

"Rowan edited a guide and a funding application... They were professional and proactive and their editing work was excellent. I would recommend them to other clients." – Alex Hilton, Organiser for Nonbinary Inclusion Project