Copy-editing and proofreading booksAbout copy-editing and proofreading
In traditional publishing, these are two separate stages of the process of creating a book.
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First, a copy-editor works with the author’s original manuscript. They correct errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation, improve clarity and readability, make the text consistent, check for factual discrepancies, and usually mark it up in some way (often using Word styles) to prepare it for typesetting – the conversion of the text and images into the format that’s needed for publication.
After the typesetting has been done, the resulting ‘proof’ (usually a PDF file) is checked by a proofreader. This is a more basic check for errors, inconsistencies, factual discrepancies, serious problems with clarity, and any issues with formatting and layout.
If you’re self-publishing, you might be using something like the above workflow, or something quite different, so please let me know about this if you get in touch.
After the typesetting has been done, the resulting ‘proof’ (usually a PDF file) is checked by a proofreader. This is a more basic check for errors, inconsistencies, factual discrepancies, serious problems with clarity, and any issues with formatting and layout.
If you’re self-publishing, you might be using something like the above workflow, or something quite different, so please let me know about this if you get in touch.
My experience
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I’ve copy-edited or proofread over 70 non-fiction books (trade, specialist and academic). I’ve done this for a number of self-publishing authors, and for a range of publishers and book packagers: Eclipse Publishing & Media, EMC Design, Integra, Pitch Publishing, Prestel, RefineCatch, Routledge / Taylor and Francis, Swales & Willis, The Stationery Office and Wearset.
To see a list of titles that I’ve worked on, please visit the About page and download my portfolio. |
‘Graham has copy-edited several books for us and his work has consistently been of a very high standard. His application of house style and attention to detail is nothing short of excellent and I am happy to recommend him.’ Dean Rockett, Pitch Publishing |
My training and expertise
My extensive editorial training includes:
- the Basic Proofreading and Copy-editing courses (as they were known at the time) run by the Publishing Training Centre (PTC)
- many courses run by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP; now I’m one of the tutors)
- the CIEP’s mentoring schemes for proofreading and copy-editing.
As well as helping me to learn my trade, these courses have given me a good insight into how copy-editors and proofreaders fit into the publishing process. For a full list, please download my brochure from the About page.
I can:
I can:
- copy-edit in Word using Track Changes and commenting
- mark up PDF proofs, using either Adobe Acrobat’s Comment functions or stamps for the BSI mark-up symbols.
▶️ Looking for an experienced, highly trained editorial professional to join your freelance list or help with your book? Get in touch to discuss potential work.
