Going Forward: What is the right form of editing for you?

Generally, you hire an editor to ensure your message is presented just as you intended it, free of distracting elements. Most often a project’s edit will involve one or more of three broad categories:

• Proofreading. “Proofing” is editing at the most fundamental level, where we correct typographical errors and standardize basic formatting. Usually proofreading is performed as the final act of manuscript checking prior to its being published or sent to potential publishers. If you simply want your manuscript to be proofed for spelling and formatting consistency, this is the edit for you.

• Copyediting. Also known as line editing and mechanical editing, a copy edit concerns itself more with ensuring that your personal style comes through consistently and without distracting impediments. For example, a copy edit will identify any awkward phrasings, obscure word usage and redundancies.

• Developmental Editing. Sometimes referred to as substantive editing, a developmental edit moves beyond technical errors to address the overall structure and organization of a work in progress. The goal is to assist the author in strengthening both the writing and the story line. Character and plot development, pace, tone, introduction of subplots and examination of character motives may all be elements of a substantive edit.

At times the distinction between these broad categories may blur. In any case, a good editor never attempts to engage in more than one form of editing at a time. It is not possible to catch typographical errors consistently, for instance, while editing for character development or story line.

All changes conform to your personal goals. SuperScript suggests changes based on your goals and your native writing style. Our job is to allow your natural voice to come through on the page – not to impose our personal tastes on your work.

Rest assured that both the actual content of your work and the intellectual property encompassed by it are safe with SuperScript. Upon request, we will gladly sign a confidentiality agreement, but as an ethical matter, information about your work will never be divulged unless you give us written permission to do so (for instance, to discuss your work with a potential publisher or a book award judge).

Because we decide in advance about the degree of editing that interests you, you will never be surprised by your invoice. Our rates conform to current industry standards.

Rate schedules change depending on the category of editing. Please consult our Rates page for information.