Ask the editor

What is Developmental Editing?

2010-12-05T10:35:47.336-06:00

The developmental editor works with the author from the start.

A developmental editor helps the author refine raw material or early draft stage to help develop the manuscript.

The developmental editor helps advise organization of material and format, perhaps proposing supplemental material, including appendices, graphics, photos, tables, charts or figures.

The developmental editor suggests revisions and rewrites but usually leaves the copyediting and proofreading to the copyeditors and proofreaders. In fact, the developmental editor may provide the rest of the editing team a list of points that need to be addressed.

What is Substantive Editing

2010-12-05T10:32:49.014-06:00

The substantive editor proofreads and copy edits and also makes minor changes and/or recommends deletions, rearrangements, rewording and rephrasing to eliminate potential confusion, wordiness, triteness and inappropriate or confusing jargon or made-up words.

The substantive editor points out gaps and contradictions in info and issues inadvertently raised but not addressed by the author.

The substantive editor polishes the prose, suggests clearer phrasing, smoother, better flow of ideas.

What is Copy Editing?

2010-12-05T10:27:44.402-06:00

Copy editing includes proofreading.
Copy editing also looks at formatting, especially formatting consistency, (Ttitles, subsection titles, type face and type style (italic, bold), and parallel construction in lists and headings should be consistent.)
Copy editing includes fact-checking for common information, although in some cases where intensive research is involved, a copy editor may be hired with a dedicated purpose to only check facts and cross-check references.
Copy editors certify the manuscript follows the house style guide, whether it is AMA, APA, AP, Chicago or their own.

The copy editor does not substantively change content.

What is Proofreading?

2010-12-05T10:04:41.584-06:00

Proofreading corrects grammatical errors only.
Proofreading is a check for spelling, typos, incorrect grammar, incorrect punctuation, word usage errors, verb disagreement. In fact, proofreading would include any error you might see included in proofreaders marks.