Levels of Editing

 There are three (3) levels of editing:

1. Light
2. Medium
3. Heavy

Each level involves a different approach and serves a different purpose. It certainly helps the editor if you already know which level of editing you require or expect when submitting your work. If you are not sure, the best option is to send them a sample beforehand so that they can advise you. 

Light editing - proofreading:

Your text will be checked for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization,  and numbering (pages, tables, lists), in accordance with the style guide. 

Medium editing - copy editing

This is also called line editing and focuses on a clear, concise, and logical writing style. The editor will make sure that your use of language suits the purpose and target audience, in addition to verifying numbers, names, addresses, and other factual content.

This level of editing is most common. Your editor may choose to rewrite parts of your sentences in order to avoid repetition and make your text more engaging and reader-friendly. 

Heavy editing - content editing

This level involves improving the text as a whole, in terms of its overall structure and organisation. When submitting your finished academic article for publication, the feedback you receive from the reviewer may ask you to make changes of such nature, usually in terms of consistency and focus. A specialized editor, meaning one with extensive experience in your particular field of research, will be the best option here.     

What is a house style?

House style is a specific editorial style adopted by the publishing house. 

It specifies the choice your editor has to make regarding the following:

• alternative spellings
• capitalization
• punctuation
• acronyms and other abbreviations
• italics and bold type
• quotations
• numbers and dates
• additional elements (headings, lists, tables, charts, graphs)
• notes and bibliographies

When writing an academic text (research paper or thesis), you need to know which specific style manual to follow (APA, MHRA, Harvard, Oxford, etc).

You can also ask your editor to double-check your text to make sure that you follow the required style manual consistently, especially when it comes to referencing.  

English Proofreading and Copy Editing Service

I am a certified proofreader and copy editor based in London and work as a freelancer. 

If you're not a native English speaker/writer and you need someone to edit your work, I'm the right person for you!

Fee: Proofreading: GBP1.00 per page (12pt font, double-spaced, regular margins)

        Line editing:  GBP1.50 per page (12pt font, double-spaced, regular margins)

        * discount for texts above 100 pages

Steps: 

1. Contact me (mirja.brachtel@gmail.com or +44 07 586 855 251) and tell me what you need                       (proofreading/editing of article or thesis)

2. Upon reviewing your text, I can tell you how much it will cost and when you can expect the edited copy

3. Send me your file; while working on your text, I may have some queries.

4. Upon completion of the project, you will receive a notice and a PayPal invoice

5. Once your payment is confirmed, I will send you two files (copy with track changes, clear copy)

6. If you are a student I will issue you a certification/proof of editing for your Faculty. I also issue an official receipt if required.

If you are a first time client and have submitted a large text, you may have to pay 30-50% of the fee upfront