To initiate an editing project, we will send you a copy of our Editorial Agreement form. The main aim of this form is to prevent misunderstanding and clarify the terms and conditions in which we work. It is in the best interests of both of us to specify your expectations and clearly outline what we will do before work begins.
We also ask for a copy or sample of your written work so we can make a free, no-obligation, estimate.
After discussing with you about your editing needs and reviewing a copy or sample of your document, we can complete the Editorial Agreement form and send it to you for your perusal.
When we have clarified what type of editing you require and written this down on the Editorial Agreement form, we send you an estimate. Editorial work begins, when we receive a deposit via an Interac e-mail bank transfer, sent to writeoneditingservices@hotmail.com. The deposit is often two times the hourly rate, more for larger projects.
Costs
Our hourly rate is $45/hour for salaried academics and $40/hour for graduate students, including post-docs. How long it takes to edit your document depends largely on the quality of your writing, what kind of editing you want and whether or not you want follow-up editing.
How We Edit
We use the track changes feature available in Microsoft Word. You may want to view this YouTube video:
Definition of Terms
These are the terms we use to describe our editing activities. See especially the most common terms we use: substantive/structural editing, stylistic editing, copy editing and proofreading.
Substantive/Structural Editing. Clarifying or reorganizing a manuscript for content and structure. Does not include the following unless specified:
• research
• writing original material
• negotiating changes with Author
Note: The agreement should specify whether changes are to be suggested or drafted.
Stylistic Editing. Clarifying meaning, eliminating jargon, polishing language, and other non-mechanical line-by-line editing. Does not include the following unless specified:
• checking or correcting reading level
• creating or recasting tables or figures
• negotiating changes with Author
Note: The agreement should specify whether changes are to be suggested or drafted.
Copy Editing. Editing for grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics of style; checking for consistency of mechanics and for internal consistency of facts; inserting head levels and approximate placement of art; editing tables, figures, and lists; notifying Designer of any unusual production requirements. Does not include the following unless specified:
• Canadianizing
• metrication
• providing or editing art manuscript
• providing or changing system of citations
• editing index
• writing or editing captions or credit lines
• writing running heads
• obtaining or listing permissions needed
• providing front matter (prelims), cover copy, or CIP data
• editing preface or foreword
• negotiating changes with Author
• seeking approvals from clients’ representatives
Notes: The agreement should specify whether changes are to be made to hard copy, to the electronic manuscript, or to both.
“Copy editing” is often loosely used to include stylistic and even structural editing, fact checking, and mark-up. It is not so used in this agreement. These other tasks must be specified.
Proofreading. Checking proofs of formatted, edited material for adherence to design and for minor, mechanical errors in copy (such as spelling mistakes or small deviations from style sheet). Does not include the following unless specified:
• incorporating or exercising discretion on Author’s alterations
• copyfitting
• checking accuracy of running heads and folios
• checking page breaks
• inserting or checking page numbers to contents and page references
• marking colour breaks
• flagging or checking location of art
Notes: The agreement should specify whether proofs are to be read in isolation or “to copy” and whether a style sheet will be provided. It should also specify whether proofs are first, second (or subsequent), or final pages.
“Proofreading” is often loosely used to include copy editing and other tasks. It is not so used in this agreement. These other tasks must be specified.
Developmental/Project Editing. Co-ordinating and editing a project from proposal or rough manuscript to final manuscript, incorporating input from authors, consultants, or reviewers. Does not include the following unless specified
• budgeting
• hiring
• design supervision
• production co-ordination
Rewriting. Creating a new manuscript or parts of a manuscript on the basis of content and research supplied by Author. Does not include the following unless specified:
• research
• writing original material
Fact Checking/Citation Checking/Reference Checking. Checking accuracy of facts and quotes by reference to original sources used by Author or to other reference sources.
Indexing. Producing a key to the contents of a work. Includes reading and analyzing the work; choosing subjects, concepts, and other elements that together form a systematic guide to the information contained in the work; arranging these elements into entries consisting of headings and subheadings and their locators (for example, page numbers); and arranging the entries alphabetically or in some other searchable order.
Note: The agreement should specify whether the Client will provide a style sheet.
Permissions. Locating source information and obtaining permission releases for copyrighted material. Does not include the following unless specified:
• reading manuscript and composing list of permissions needed
• setting and maintaining budgets
• negotiating usage fees
