Copyediting

Copyeditors are most commonly known for correcting errors or inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, and usage, but we do so much more!

A typical copyedit also includes:

  • Checking basic facts to ensure accuracy (e.g., correcting the spelling of proper names; verifying quotations; confirming dates of events)

  • Ensuring consistency in use of italics, bold, and capitalization

  • Improving clarity by rewording or reformatting text that is confusing or could be misinterpreted/suggesting headings or lists to help readability

  • Confirming all elements of a text or document, including table of contents, headings/subheadings, in-text references, and citations

Proofreading

“Proofreaders defend against errors that could cost content creators their credibility. They protect the integrity of the work.”

Proofreading and copyediting are often mistaken for one another. Yes, proofreaders look for some of the same things as copyeditors, but they
are not expected to make substantive changes to grammar or structure. Proofreaders typically come in at the end of the publication process to look for things such as:

  • Spelling and grammatical errors

  • Inconsistencies in style and formatting

  • Missing or mismatched labels in graphics

  • Incorrect photo captions

  • Bad, broken, or misspelled links

Transcription

Good transcripts are hard to come by. AI-generated captions can get you part of the way, but they typically require editing for accuracy and readability—sometimes heavy editing depending on how well AI understands (or doesn’t understand) the speaker and the subject matter. You’ll want to hire a seasoned transcriptionist who can:

  • Compare the audio to the text to ensure accuracy between what is said and what is written (this is not as easy as it sounds)

  • Add the proper punctuation and paragraph breaks to the text to promote readability

  • Fact-check the audio and text to confirm the names of people, places, and things; dates of events; etc.

  • Type quickly and accurately and use the proper tools for transcription

Editorial Assistance

Most content requires at least some level of editorial assistance. Whether it’s finding the perfect quotes to include in a document, organizing permissions, orchestrating photo shoots, or curating and properly formatting citations, the possibilities for editorial assistance are nearly endless. Please reach out with your specific needs for a personalized quote.