Kristen Hall-Geisler

Copy Editing

What Is Copy Editing?

When all major revisions are complete, a copy edit addresses mechanical issues including:

  • spelling
  • grammar
  • usage
  • punctuation
  • clarity
  • consistency
  • light fact checking
  • North American localization for works translated to English
  • My go-to tools: the Chicago Manual of Style, MLA, and the Conscious Style Guide

What Do I Get with a Copy Edit?

  • A Word doc with track changes and comments showing my suggestions for changes or queries.
  • A style sheet that I’ve created for maintaining consistency as you revise and sharing with the proofreader
  • A completed line edit within 3-6 weeks, depending on word count

Who Is This Edit For?

  • Self-publishing authors after the text is finalized but not yet in layout
  • Small presses who have more books in the pipeline than they have staff to do the copy edits
  • Authors seeking traditional publishing who want a little extra polish before submitting
  • Academics who want an editorial eye for consistency, citations, and light fact checking before submitting
  • Note: If you have a traditional publisher, you do not need to pay for copy editing. The publisher will provide this for your book.

What about the Cost?

  • I provide a free sample of about 5 pages so you can see if my editing style fits with your work.
  • I send a flat-rate estimate of both costs and time based on that sample.
  • I require a 50% deposit before I begin the copy edit, with the remaining 50% to be paid after I return the edited manuscript.
  • I provide a professional contract to protect both your work as author and mine as editor.

Request a Copy Editing Estimate