Substantive editing
This level of editing addresses the material as a whole, looking at the overall message and then at the content line-by-line.
As well as the context and meaning of the material, I look at the text – the grammar, spelling and punctuation. This involves ensuring that the text runs logically, with the material fitting together seamlessly.
In the editing process, I attend to:
- research
- structure
- style
- tone
- presentation
- language, including grammar, spelling and punctuation
This is the most thorough option and will take the longest time. Substantial editing may require an extensive amount of reworking.
After the edit, I will return the text to you to approve the changes and to attend to any other notes I may have made.
Medium and light editing
A fresh pair of eyes looking at your work helps pick up the small mistakes you may have missed.
This level of editing looks at the document line by line for inaccuracies and any confusion over the meaning. It may involve editing of overly long sentences or the passive voice, or correcting gaps in the information. Punctuation, grammar, spelling, and style are also checked.
The work undertaken at this stage may be:
- medium edits – minor restructuring and reworking some passages.
- light edits – minor changes for clarity and focuses on grammar and punctuation.
Proofreading
Proofreading is done to spot the small errors that slip through before a document is published. It’s a check for typos – misspelled words and missing punctuation – or odd formatting. It doesn’t include reworking the text.
Jenn Writes 