Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between editing and proofreading?
There are many types of editing, but the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) has a good guide on their website:
A very basic answer is that copyediting happens early on in the publishing process (once the copy has been written), and proofreading is the final stage, making sure everything is as it should be before being sent off for printing or websites being made live.
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How long will it take?
Each piece of work is different. We can discuss timeframes when evaluating the work that needs to be carried out. A quick proofread will take less time than a full edit. A straightforward copyedit usually falls around the 2,000–3,000 words per hour mark.
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How much will it cost?
Generally I have a day rate for businesses and I adhere to CIEP suggested rates, for editing and proofreading for authors. Pop along to my pricing page for more details.
Payment will be agreed in advance and a proportion of the fee, usually 50%, will be required in advance to secure a space on my calendar. I also may ask for a non-refundable deposit upfront on larger jobs.
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What materials can you work on?
If it’s written it can be proofread and edited. I can also write your copy – I specialise in writing heritage and history, but can work with most businesses to their brief.
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Why do I need my work edited and proofread?
While it’s true that a computer can automate certain procedures, it can’t look over your work like a human can. An editor can make sure that your grammar is correct, that the right words are being used and that everything is as it should be. Editing your own work is also notoriously difficult as you become used to what you have written and can miss even simple errors.
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I’m not sure what I need, can you help?
Preparing your work can be a tricky business. If you know you need help but aren’t sure what’s needed, talk to me. I provide a no-obligation quote, and I’ll steer you in the right direction.
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What subjects can you work on?
I specialise in helping businesses with their written material and I also work with authors, especially those writing in the area of heritage, historical fiction and non-fiction. I work on a whole range of other topics too, so don’t worry if these aren’t your thing.
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Contact me on: sara@northerneditorial.co.uk
Why Copy Editors Matter
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