literary manuscript editing 37,000 words 137 pages, subject is Mysticism mixed with Hindu philosophy, poetry and part biography, needs Developmental Editing service which combines three editorial services. Job is divided into three stages. Each stage could run up to 3 rounds. Language format will be US English
1) structural edit to determine that the content is complete and appropriate, concepts are developed adequately, and the material is well organized, and involves the editor looking at the big picture of the manuscript, taking an overview of how the “story” has been put together, where the strengths are, where the weaknesses are, and offering suggestions about possible revisions. The editor will make sure that all lists, graphs, and illustrations if any are used effectively throughout the book. Method of editing will involves on-page notes, for example, suggestions to cut, expand or move particular passages to improve the flow of the ms, noting long paragraphs and changing chapter breaks.
2) Once big-picture changes have been made, the second step is a Content Edit. The Content editor will check the language and style to ensure the meaning is clear, it is acceptably expressed and the content is consistent. The content editor will check the manuscript for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. e.g Appropriate use of language: Grammar, Syntax, Punctuation, Clarity of expression. Consistency of language: Structural parallelism, Terms used, Spelling, Capitalization, Hyphenation, Abbreviations, Numbers and quantitative data. Consistency of visual content: Typography, Heading hierarchy, Page layout, Figures, Tables, Captions.
3) Finally, the manuscript will receive a final Proofreading to ensure the manuscript is editorially sound and ensure all elements of the document are included and are in the proper order, all amendments have been inserted, chosen style has been followed, any spelling and punctuation errors have been deleted, the format and layout are consistent and the document is ready to be printed. A proofread includes:
Verification of copy
Checking against previous copy for any discrepancies
Checking that all amendments have been inserted accurately
Integrity check
Checking that the document is complete, including:
preliminary matter (such as title page, letter of transmittal, foreword, table of contents, lists of illustrations and tables, preface, acknowledgments
body of the document (text, tables, illustrative material, labels and captions, footnotes and endnotes)
end matter (appendixes, lists of abbreviations and symbols, glossary, references/bibliography, index)
Checking headings, pagination, figures and tables against the table of contents
Proofing
Checking for spelling, typographical and punctuation errors
Checking that wordbreaks at line ends are appropriate
Checking for accuracy of cross-references
Conformity with house style or style sheet
Ensuring consistency in:
terminology, spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation, abbreviations and acronyms, italics
heading hierarchies
style of numbers, dates, percentages, symbols, equations
Checking type specifications
Checking page layout
Format
Eliminating any widows, orphans or rivers
Checking that tables are not split, and that alignment, spacing and bolding are correct.