Editing and proofreading isn’t just about commas and semicolons (although it is a lot of that).

It’s about getting the message out.

A good editor will focus on what the writer needs.

A good editor will make sure a piece of writing fulfils its purpose.

Here’s some information about what you can expect from the different levels of editing:

• proofreading – a final check of your text, to spot any errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and syntax
• copyediting – to ensure the message in your text is complete, accurate and consistent
• substantive (structural) editing – an extensive edit to improve the text by clarifying meaning, suggesting structural changes and working with the language used

Access Editing offers proofreading, copyediting and substantive editing, as well as:

• plain English rewriting
• formatting
• referencing and citations
• document navigation.

Each edited document is returned with editing notes – which is a list of  style decisions and explanations of editing suggestions.

As an IPED Accredited Editor, I work to the Australian Standards for Editing Practice. The standards contain more information about the different tasks offered by editors.

To request an editing brief for your project, email jane@accessediting.com.au, or call Jane Aylen on 0412 286 677.

For more, see Access Editing’s FAQs or 10 signs you should invest in editing.