Copy Editing

What is Copy Editing?

Copy editing is the process of reviewing your book to improve its clarity, accuracy, and overall quality. It is done after you have a complete or almost-complete draft, and is different from developmental editing (where an editor works with you to help you envision and shape your book) and proofreading (the very last edits to make sure every t is crossed and every i dotted). If you don't yet have a draft, or if your draft isn't organized into a cohesive form, you may need a developmental editor first. (I can recommend a good one!) If you have a draft that is generally cohesive and complete, but you would like to tighten it up, take out repetition, improve clarity and flow, and make it more compelling to the reader, then you need a copy editor. That is where I come in! 

About me
I am a freelance editor with almost twenty years of experience editing projects as diverse as scientific and medical journal articles, academic papers, and both fiction and nonfiction books. I also have experience in the publishing world as a writer, with five published books under my belt. I have a background in teaching English as a second language, a BA in World Religions, and an MDiv in theology and cross-cultural education. In addition to my formal education, I have pursued an interest in grammar and writing that borders on obsessive.

In my editing work I strive to give clear, honest feedback in a supportive and encouraging way, enabling my clients to produce their best work. Let me be your hype woman! I am deeply invested in every project I take on, and work hard to make it the best version possible.

I work from my home in Boston and use either Microsoft Word’s Track Changes or Google Docs' editing features to suggest edits and make comments.

Pricing
My rate for copy editing is $0.04 per word. So, for example, a 20,000 word manuscript (a fairly short book) would cost $800, whereas a longer book with 60,000 words would cost $2400.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions! My email is jessica@jessicakantrowitz.com.