​Editing Services for English, Latin, Italian, and Spanish

​Also English texts containing French, Ancient Greek, and some German content.
I offer three levels of editing for nonfiction texts, detailed below: Copy editing, Stylistic editing, and Substantive/Structural editing. Here is a sample of the ways in which I will help you to prepare your text for publication:
  • ​clarify your writing
  • add precision to your language
  • ensure correct grammar
  • make sure that your punctuation is working for you
  • adhere to style conventions
  • maintain consistency throughout your text
  • check that information is referenced and documented properly
  • format references
  • ​restructure content for flow

What Is the Process for Working Together?

1. Contact me with the details of your project, including time frame.
2. If I have availability within your time frame, I will ask you to send the complete manuscript requiring editing in MS Word, via email.
3. I will review the manuscript to assess the level of editing needed and time required for editing, and will provide you with an estimate.
4. Once we come to an agreement, I will edit your manuscript, according to your preferred style guide, using MS Word Track Changes and Comments features, so that you can see all of the changes made. I will also provide you with a custom style sheet for your individual project.
​THOROUGH, HELPFUL, AND GENTLE
​
Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a thorough, helpful, and gentle copyedit of my article.

Anne Rubenstein, Professor

Copy editing

Copy editing  involves editing for correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage;  consistency in the mechanics of style (abbreviations, spelling, capitalization, documentation, quotations, headings, numbers, formatting) and adherence to the publisher's style sheet; accuracy in facts; and completeness (check that missing elements and citations are supplied).

After months or years of research and writing, academic authors often welcome a fresh set of eyes on their work, to catch inconsistencies, oversights, or errors before submitting for publication.  In addition to the corrections mentioned above, as your professional editor I will:
  • ensure that all elements in your text adhere to the house style sheet or chosen standard style manual (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style, APA, MLA, etc.)
  • ensure that footnotes and bibliography entries are formatted correctly and consistently
  • ensure that quotations, translations, and foreign-language content are presented correctly and consistently
  • make sure that all headings and titles are formatted and presented consistently, and that they match the table of contents and any cross references
  • point out incomplete documentation or lack of citations in support of arguments or quoted material
  • ​provide you with a style sheet outlining specific style choices made for your manuscript

Stylistic editing

Stylistic editing involves line-by-line editing to clarify meaning; express your message more concisely; improve sentence structure and word choice for greater clarity; reorder sentences for greater coherence;  ensure logical connections and remove jargon.

If stylistic editing is required, I will offer suggestions for rewording and rephrasing. This may include:
  • reworking awkward constructions
  • replacing overused passive constructions with active verbs
  • elevating the level of language and sentence structure for an academic audience
  • suggesting more precise words to get your message across more effectively

Substantive or structural editing

Substantive or structural editing​ involves the reorganization of content and structure. This type of editing involves text at the paragraph or page level, rather than at the sentence level. If substantive editing is required, I will make structural suggestions on how to reorganize material so that the argument presented flows in the most logical and cohesive manner.
PRESERVED MY OWN VOICE. CARE AND PATIENCE
​
One of the things that I am most grateful for is that she preserved my own voice while adding clarity and directness to the manuscript. I am also grateful for her obvious care and patience in reading, analyzing, and restructuring the arguments. One of the qualities of a great editor is patience, and Carla has this quality in the spades. Great work, Carla, and I look forward to working with you again.

Edwin Wong, independent scholar
​Electronic/online editing using MS Word Track Changes function and Adobe Acrobat Tools & Comment features allows me to collaborate easily and remotely with anyone anywhere in the world. However, if absolutely necessary, I can also edit with old-fashioned paper and pencil!
Please see Editors Canada's "Definitions of Editorial Skills" for more details.