Book editing improves a manuscript's structure, language, and consistency. Proofreading checks the final text for remaining errors. Greenfield Publishers can help identify the appropriate editorial stage from your manuscript's condition; contact us for a written scope and pricing.
Developmental editing looks at structure, argument, pacing, and what a reader needs to understand. Line editing focuses on voice, clarity, and the flow of sentences and paragraphs. Copyediting addresses grammar, usage, spelling, and consistency. These stages solve different problems; a final proofread cannot replace a structural review.
Proofread after the layout is settled
Page layout can introduce awkward breaks, misplaced headings, or caption problems even when the original document reads well. A proofread of the typeset book checks the publication files. Substantial rewrites after this stage can create new errors and may require another review.
Make the editorial scope explicit
Share the word count, genre, current stage, and target formats. Ask which editorial passes, style conventions, author review stages, and file formats are included. Basic, Standard, and Premium list professional editing and multi-pass proofreading; the proposal should describe how those inclusions apply to your manuscript.
Questions authors ask
Should I edit before designing the book?
Resolve substantial structural and language changes before final typesetting. Proofreading then checks the laid-out version.
Does proofreading include rewriting?
Proofreading generally checks final errors. Rewriting and developmental changes should be agreed as separate editorial work.
What determines an editing quote?
The manuscript's length, condition, editorial level, number of passes, complexity, and schedule all affect the scope.