View Proofreading sample

• Character-by-character final review
  ? Our editors serve as the final set of eyes to view an author's manuscript. Many authors choose multiple rounds of book editing, and this round of editing can be of tremendous value.
• Spelling and punctuation check
  ? BookBaby’s process works to detect and remove a wide range of spelling and punctuation mistakes, including confusion between words with similar spelling, typos and minor punctuation glitches.
• Intensive grammar audit
  ? BookBaby’s editors are experienced in removing grammar glitches that range from wrong verb tenses, lack of agreement between subject and verb, and wrong prepositions. They will glean your files looking for issues with comma splices, run-on sentences and more.
• Adherence to Chicago Manual of Style
• Estimated Timeline: 6-8 days
• Learn more about Proofreading

View Copy Editing sample

• Word-by-word mechanical edit
• Word choice and syntax inspection
  ? Copy editing focuses on an author's choice of words in concert with sentence syntax and context. With the structure of a story established, our authors carefully review the range of words that our authors have chosen. Their ‘second set of eyes’ helps to establish an author's style and confidence in the expression of language that his target audience will understand. This is coupled with a focus on editing for proper syntax. This process involves checking additional aspects of the manuscript such as sentence structure, transitions, parallelism, sentence variety, and conciseness.
• Spelling and punctuation check
  ? BookBaby’s process works to detect and remove a wide range of spelling and punctuation mistakes, including confusion between words with similar spelling, typos, and minor punctuation glitches.
• Intensive grammar audit
  ? BookBaby’s editors are experienced in removing grammar glitches that range from wrong verb tenses, lack of agreement between subject and verb, and wrong prepositions. They will glean your files looking for issues with comma splices, run-on sentences and more.
• Basic proofreading
• Adherence to Chicago Manual of Style
• Estimated Timeline: 7-9 days
• Learn more about Copy Editing

View Line Editing sample

• Line-by-line stylistic editing
• Intensive overall structural edit
  ? A structural edit is the process that comes first, after a manuscript is completed. It involves looking at the ‘big picture’ elements of the narrative and characters and examining which of these elements are working and which could be improved, cut or changed altogether.
• Word choice and syntax inspection
  ? Our editors understand that word choice is an important part of any story. The precise choice of words reflects an author's style and confidence in the expression of language that his target audience will understand. Our editors seek to maintain consistency in this key element of the manuscript. Editing for proper syntax involves checking additional aspects of the manuscript, such as sentence structure, transitions, parallelism, sentence variety, and conciseness.
• Plot and pacing review
  ? Our editors check to see if the plot plausible: Does it make sense? Are there any gaping plot holes that need fixing? A pacing review checks to see if the narrative is always moving forward. Are there parts of the story that lag and slow the reader down?
• Survey transition elements
  ? Transitional devices are words or phrases that help carry a thought from one sentence to another, from one idea to another, or from one paragraph to another. Our editors check to ensure transitional devices link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas.
• Audit tone and style
  ? Style and tone are elements of fiction. Our editors help the writer maintain their choice of style and tone to craft the story. Style refers to the writer’s choice of diction, sentence structure, literary techniques, and use of rhythm. While tone refers to the writer’s attitude toward his/her story and to the reader.
• Review character development
  ? Character development is the process of building a unique, three-dimensional character with depth, personality, and clear motivations. Our editors look to help the authors boost and enhance each unique voice in the story, with particular attention to the changes a character undergoes over the course of a story as a result of their actions and experiences.
• Writing flow enhancement
  ? Editors take a critical eye to the overall story creation. Does the style of writing suit the genre? Is the language overly flowery and verbose? Could the author add more lyrical elements to the manuscript?
• Voice maintenance
  ? Our editors are looking for consistency. Is the overall voice and tense authentic and constant throughout the manuscript?
• Basic proofreading
• Editor's notes and comments
  ? After reviewing the entire manuscript, BookBaby’s editors compose an original set of notes and comments on the manuscript. It’s one of the most valuable aspects of the line editing and our authors have found these to be both instructive and inspirational.
• Adherence to Chicago Manual of Style
• Estimated Timeline: 8-10 days
• Learn more about Line Editing