For
projects that need considerable reorganization and
rewriting. Editing includes whatever services are required to
develop accurate and logical content that is appropriate for the intended
audience. It involves an examination of the basic elements of manuscript
structure: pacing, voice, tone and subtext, a check for redundancies,
repetition of phrases, clichés, misplaced modifiers, shifts in agreement,
consistency, organization, flow, clarity, and several other things. It
also includes basic copy/editing (see below). Substantive
copy/editing is performed directly on a PC copy of the document, using MS Word's
Track Changes tool, which allows you the opportunity to see the changes, but
produces a clean copy ready for submission or personal use.
Includes a check for errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and
consistency of style, and an evaluation of confusing and awkward writing
techniques. (It does not include a substantive line-by-lin"e
editing, as described above.)
An already-edited document is examined one final time, checking for any
remaining errors and inconsistencies. [Standard proofreading symbols are
used on a hard copy.]
Involves
the editing, revision, or writing of product users’ guides, employee manuals,
software manuals, brochures, medical articles for the lay public, legal
presentations and texts (written in language for the lay public or for
judges who prefer less legalese) and white papers. I have extensive
knowledge in both law and academic medicine. I am
experienced in rewriting technical documents for the lay public, in language
they can understand.
Involves the careful reading and analyzing of your fiction
manuscript to discern its strengths and weaknesses. A lengthy report is
produced, with suggestions for improvement in areas such as your plot,
characterization, setting, use of conflicts, climax, point of view, spelling,
punctuation and grammar weaknesses, your format, etc. An evaluation can
also be made of a non-fiction book, a short story, essay, or any type of
business document. Sometimes, an objective point of view is exactly what
you need! A reasonable flat fee is charged for each project, depending upon the
difficulty of the subject matter and length of the manuscript, payable in
advance.
Copywriting:
Involves the research of subject material and the writing of the
article or document. The writing may expand and expound upon the rough draft of
the original writer, in order to establish the tone and style required.
Includes ghostwritten articles published under the name of the client.
For local and repeat clients or major
corporations, a company/ personal check will be accepted in agreed upon terms
(POD) after work is completed. Most clients pay directly into my
PayPal account.
Copyright of Original Material:
Your work of fiction or nonfiction is
"copyrighted" as soon as you write it, and you have nothing to be concerned
about, but you can use the "poor man's copyright" method, by mailing
yourself a dated copy of your manuscript. Do not open the envelope, upon
receipt. The postmark on the package serves as your copyright and is
legally binding. The use of the ALT key plus "0169" on
your numeric keypad makes a copyright symbol, but agents and publishers
consider a statement of copyright or a symbol on your work as a sign of an
amateur writer! Remember that ideas and titles cannot be copyrighted,
only the original writing that makes up the document.
MOST CLIENTS SEND ENTIRE PROJECTS VIA AN E-MAIL ATTACHMENT.
Depending on the length of the written project, you may also deliver your
document via fax, US mail, Federal Express, UPS (or other global delivery
service), with explicit instructions as to which services you desire. If
you contract for a PC-based copy/editing (in MS Word only) which produces
a final clean copy, include a diskette of the project, if you are using
the mailing of a hard copy. Upon receipt of the project, I will contact
you, to present an estimate of costs and to discuss the various editing,
revision, and payment options.
If you prefer to discuss your project
in detail before sending the entire document, we can confer via e-mail, or
telephone (e-mail correspondence is best when I am working on projects!).
Policy:
At any time during the project, if
either of us decide our relationship or expectations differ from those assumed
during the initial contact, either one of us or both may cancel the project,
AFTER payment has been made for work completed. All copyediting or copywriting
is fulfilled to the best of my ability and according to the Code of Fair
Practice.
