SAUNDERS EDITORIAL SERVICES
Standard proofread: Comparing marked-up, edited copy with new, corrected copy to ensure that the corrections were made as directed and that no errors were introduced when the corrections were made. It does not include a complete read-through, only comparing edits with completed corrections.
Full proofread / light copyedit (aka editorial proofread): A complete read-through, with or without the previously edited version at hand. In addition to correcting out-and-out mistakes (spelling, grammatical errors, numbering, consistency in formatting, and so on), a full proofread includes querying, but not fixing, questionable grammar, inconsistencies in content, confusing text, and other issues as they come up. Queries may or may not include suggestions, depending on the nature of the query, e.g., a grammar query definitely includes a suggested fix. A clarification query generally does not include a suggested fix.
Medium copyedit:A complete read-through without the previously edited version at hand. In addition to correcting out-and-out mistakes (spelling, grammatical errors, numbering, consistency in formatting, and so on), a medium copyedit includes querying and often fixing questionable grammar, inconsistencies in content, confusing text, and other issues as they come up. Edits may include comments to explain the reason for the edit.
Heavy copyedit / developmental edit: A complete read-through, but does not include fixing out-and-out mistakes as defined in the above three services. A heavy copyedit involves ensuring that the flow within the text is organized and clear, including moving sentences and paragraphs around, plus querying and where possible fixing questionable grammar, inconsistencies in content, confusing text, and other issues as they come up.
Substantive edit: A complete read-through, but does not include fixing out-and-out mistakes as defined in the first three services above.
The level of edit—light, medium, heavy, or substantive—is determined in a discussion with client before job begins and, if necessary, after a review of a sample of material to be edited.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Saunders Editorial Services.
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