Substantive Editing
Definition:
There are two types of editing
1. Copy editing covers spelling, punctuation and grammar with perhaps some suggestions for rewriting sections that don't work.
You would use copy editing if:
We don't provide those services, except for corporate clients, but we can refer you to a copy editor for smaller projects.
2. Substantive editing covers the above but goes beyond to include the following:a. Organize your writing and rearrange your material in a logical way
b. Rewrite portions of your book (sentences, paragraphs, chapters or sections) as needed
c. Ensure plot and character engages the reader in novels, memoirs, autobiographies and biographies
d. Check major facts and conduct limited research (although the ultimate responsibility is still yours)
e. Insure citations, both within text and in bibliographies at the end, are correctly formatted
Who would use substantive editing?
You would need a substantive editor if:
Definition:
There are two types of editing
1. Copy editing covers spelling, punctuation and grammar with perhaps some suggestions for rewriting sections that don't work.
You would use copy editing if:
- You know your topic and are confident your non-fiction book is well organized and well-written.
- No matter how confident you are, it is a proven fact that writers and authors cannot edit their own work. You see what you think is there, rather than what is actually on the paper. It needs a fresh pair of eyes to detect these errors.
- You are just not an expert in punctuation and have forgotten some of those rules of grammar learned in school.
We don't provide those services, except for corporate clients, but we can refer you to a copy editor for smaller projects.
2. Substantive editing covers the above but goes beyond to include the following:a. Organize your writing and rearrange your material in a logical way
b. Rewrite portions of your book (sentences, paragraphs, chapters or sections) as needed
c. Ensure plot and character engages the reader in novels, memoirs, autobiographies and biographies
d. Check major facts and conduct limited research (although the ultimate responsibility is still yours)
e. Insure citations, both within text and in bibliographies at the end, are correctly formatted
Who would use substantive editing?
You would need a substantive editor if:
- You are struggling with what to say and how to say it.
- You know the facts and events but don't know how to put it together so that it reaches your target audience and sells!
- You are writing a memoir, autobiography, biography or novel (no one should hire a copy editor for this material) and need to tell a compelling story with characters that grab your reader's attention and hold them captive until the end.
- You are writing a difficult story of people and events that still cause you pain. As a substantive editor, I connect with the client, dig out the emotions and rework the story to grasp the audience through the emotion you were not able to bring to the surface.
- Have writer's block? Engage a substantive editor. No more blocks holding you back!
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