SERVICES

  • Express proofreading is a final check on a manuscript that has already been copy edited and needs a quick run-through to ensure that no errors remain.

  • Proofreading means I correct glaring problems of grammar and word usage. I also check the spelling and ensure hyphenation, numerals, and capitalization are consistent throughout.

  • Proofreading proper means checking the final designed page proofs for a wide range of potential layout problems and glaring spelling or grammatical mistakes.

  • In light copy editing, I do the same as in proofreading, but I also fix more subtle grammatical errors, flag or correct errors in word usage, fix patches of wordiness and redundancy, exercise a light hand to make the language clearer, and mark up the manuscript to indicate different categories of text (such as section heads).

  • In moderate copy editing, I correct grammar problems; correct problems with word usage; ensure spelling (of both proper nouns and common nouns), hyphenation, numerals, and capitalization are consistent throughout and conform to the appropriate style manual and dictionary; reduce wordiness and redundancy at the sentence and paragraph levels; enhance the clarity of the prose, including rendering jargon into plain language (while leaving terms of art intact); mark up the manuscript to indicate different categories of text; ensure that transitions between sentences and paragraphs are smooth; provide more active language where appropriate (including proposing alternatives to "there are" and forms of “to be,” replacing zombie words with participles or verbs, and changing passive to active voice); flag confusing passages; check the consistency of spelling of proper nouns; and cross-check in-text citations and the reference list.

  • Heavy copy editing means that in addition to what I do in moderate copy editing, I do more to reduce wordiness and redundancy; query about or suggest improvements to confusing passages; flag sentences or paragraphs that appear to exhibit gaps in logic or that may require further development; suggest more suitable figures of speech and alternatives to trite language; check the tables and figures for formatting, clarity, and coherence; and check basic facts that seem off (fact checking requiring a separate research effort incurs hourly charges). I can also present ways to cut the word count more drastically (on request and for an additional charge).

  • Stylistic editing means that in addition to heavy copy editing, I suggest ways to add, rearrange, change, or delete words and sentences to improve the manuscript's flow and style and I suggest ways to fill gaps in logic and further develop sentences and paragraphs. Alternatively (and for a lower fee), I can leave out the copy editing and focus solely on the flow, style, and logic.

  • Rewriting is similar to stylistic editing but involves more substantial revision. This may be appropriate if, among other reasons, a journal (acting out of undue caution) flags your article submission for self-plagiarism.

  • Indexing: I create both back-of-the-book and embedded indexes to meet your (and your publisher’s) needs regarding length and formatting while engaging in industry best practices for such aspects as term selection and cross-referencing.

  • I also format manuscripts and reference lists.

PRICING & TERMS

I'd be happy to give you a free sample of up to 500 words (for a long manuscript) or 250 words (for a short one). I'll give you a quote within two days.

My standard rates are as follows (a manuscript page is defined as 250 words):

  • $2.25/pg. to $3/pg. for express proofreading

  • $3/pg. to $5/pg. for proofreading

  • $2.50-$3.50 per page proof for proofreading proper

  • $5/pg. to $10/pg. for light copy editing

  • $7/pg. to $13/pg. for moderate copy editing

  • $9/pg. to $20/pg. for heavy copy editing

  • $11/pg. to $25/pg. for stylistic editing

  • $14/pg. to $30/pg. for rewriting

  • $125-$250 for formatting dissertations

  • $3.50 to $7.50 per page proof for indexing

The final quote depends on the amount of polishing the manuscript requires. I charge a 10–50 percent rush premium for fast turnaround. I charge a premium for working in Overleaf (on a LaTeX manuscript) and for creating an embedded index. To cover the fixed costs I incur for each project, I charge a minimum of $50. Other considerations may come into play in my final quote. If you want to reserve my time, I require an upfront nonrefundable deposit.