Once your manuscript is organized and in the proper sequence, and the written analysis and developmental editing have been completed, we will be ready to copyedit it.

First round of copyediting

We will start the process by editing your manuscript chapter by chapter, which allows us to incorporate your feedback about our work as we move forward.

As you read each edited chapter, you are welcome to make changes in the document while you are thinking about them; however, we will not review these changes during the first round.

Any feedback you give us during the first round will be applied to the remaining unedited chapters.

Your changes to the original manuscript will be addressed in Additional copyediting (see next column).

We will pass the same file back and forth until the whole manuscript has been edited. Alternatively, if you feel comfortable with the level and style of editing, you can authorize us at any point to finish the manuscript all at once.

The tasks for the first copyediting round may include any or all of the following:

• We will read the manuscript once.

• We will edit the manuscript using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes editing tool. (If you don’t have Microsoft Word or would prefer your edits related in a different way, please let us know.)

• Extra spaces between paragraphs and words will be deleted and other formatting inconsistencies will be corrected.

• Headings/text will be analyzed for consistency and logic.

• Spelling, punctuation, and grammar of generic words and proper names and terms will be corrected.

• We will correct spelling, punctuation, and accent marks in foreign words and terms.

• Spelling, punctuation, grammar, and numbering of illustration/table text and titles will be conformed and corrected.

• We will recommend character emphasis (i.e., the addition or removal of bold, italic, and/or bold italic).

• Live status of Internet addresses will be validated.

• Acronyms will be organized and checked for consistency and usage. Creation of a List of Acronyms is also available.

• References to other authors’ book titles within the manuscript will be checked for veracity.

• Single-digit numbers will not be spelled out; double-digit and higher numbers will be spelled out (excluding dates, statistical numbers, etc.).

• We will not verify statistical data; however, the need for and placement of footnotes and/or endnotes to substantiate data and claims will be indicated.

• Structure and style of the bibliography will be analyzed, conformed, and corrected.

• Formatting of bulleted/numbered lists will be conformed and corrected.

• Veracity of specific cites (e.g., bible quotations) will be checked.

• Spelling and use of trademark symbols will be verified.

• We will produce and deliver a first copyedited proof.

Additional copyediting

Once we have edited the whole manuscript:

• You will read the first copyedited proof, make changes, and/or add new text.

• You will respond to all queries/comments for unresolved issues.

• You will return the manuscript and indicate whether you want us to reread the manuscript or just resolve the queries/comments.

Once we receive your revised manuscript and understand the scope going forward, we will submit an estimate or a fixed bid for the remaining work, including any new items since delivery of the first copyedited proof.

The next step

This process will continue until you have approved all text in your manuscript and are ready to move to the next step ... graphics assistance. 

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