Q: How does the GdS Editorial Services editing process begin?
A: It begins with a potential client getting in touch to say they have a writing project that needs editing. If the client is unsure what type of editing (copy, line, or developmental) is needed, they will be requested to submit the material (via this website or email), and it will be assessed. There is no fee for the assessment.
Clients who request a specific type of editing should submit their work to GdS Editorial Associates via this website or email. It will be reviewed, and a fee estimate will be provided.
If the client decides to work with GdS Editorial Services, they will receive a contract that specifies services to be provided, fees, and terms and conditions. When the contract has been signed, editing begins.
Q: What is the GdS Editorial Services editing process?
A: Regardless of the type of editing, the material will be read closely to gain a sense of the big picture. Text editing is performed using Microsoft Word’s track changes and comments functions. Word documents are preferred to PDFs. A first round of edits will be sent to the client. If the client approves the edits and makes the suggested revisions, the process ends. If the client has questions about the edits or doesn’t understand the rationale behind them, a second round of edits may be necessary to address any issues. The second pass would be final.
Q: Do editorial services include rewrites?
A: Line editing and developmental/substantive editing often involve rewriting. Developmental editing can involve restructuring and rewriting the material. The purpose of any rewriting is to improve readability, clarity, and logical flow. Copy editing focuses more on the mechanics of language (spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation). It also addresses accuracy, including facts, dates, names, and other details. A copy editor additionally ensures that the writing adheres to any required style (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style, AP, APA, etc.).
Q: What is the difference between line and developmental editing?
A: Developmental editing is an in-depth review that focuses on overall structure and content. Line editing addresses content, writing style, and language use at the sentence and paragraph level. It does not focus on finding errors (such as grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors) but on language use. A line edit examines a piece of writing for sentence structure, run-on sentences, redundancies, awkward or unclear wording, and pacing issues.
Q: During the editing process, do you communicate with your clients?
A: If there are questions that need to be addressed before editing begins, the client will be contacted to discuss them. However, most communication occurs when the client receives the edited material, which most often includes notes and comments for the client to address, in addition to edits made on the page with track changes.
Please contact GdS Editorial Services if you have any questions that are not answered here.
