When to copy edit?
For self publishers, a copyedit is the equivalent of reaching the semi-finals. The proof read is yet to come but everything else is in place: character arcs are clear, plot lines secure, structure robust, voice intact. The writing just needs a tighter polish and check through. For those following a traditional publishing route, the publisher will provide a copyeditor, so if you are confident the prose is in good order, go ahead and submit. If you are self-publishing, the copy edit is the final hurdle before you proofread. Don’t send your work to a copyeditor until it’s as good as you can get it, or you will be wasting their time.
What does a copy edit do?
I will go through your manuscript line by line, checking for errors of punctuation, grammar, spelling or typos. I’ll check for slips in point of view, and look for consistency with voice and tenses. I’ll check how clearly you carry your reader with you as you move between time and space, including going in and out of flashback. I’ll check for any jarring repetition or clunky patches of dialogue.
When editing your work I will record my observations – and suggested changes where applicable – directly into your manuscript, using Track Changes. If you’re not yet familiar with working with this tool, do practice using it. Most editors will be, so it’s worth biting the bullet. Besides, it’s simple enough to use and comes free with Word.
How to get started?
The first thing to do is fill out the form below to let me know what you are submitting: form, genre, word count and proposed pathway for publication. If you have time constraints on needing the copy edit completed, please share those with me too. Turnaround can be as little as two to three weeks, but that will depend on availability. Once I receive your request, I will email you with a fee and an estimated turnaround time. Once we have agreed on those, we can go ahead and get started.
After I send you the completed copy edit with the annotated manuscript and accompanying notes, you will have one month to assess the edits, make any necessary changes, and note any queries or questions you may have. You can then email your queries to me and I’ll get back to you.
Cost: £8 per 1,000 words
Message me below:
Thank you for your response. ✨
Kath Morgan Writer 