BOOK COPY EDITOREach Book Specialist copy editor is expert at tidying text to ensure accurate, consistent, logical, flowing, clear text. The copy editor's clients range from authors to fiction and non-fiction publishers, and the aim for all clients is simple: to polish language to a publishable standard. All Book Specialist copy editors have a good deal of experience in copy-editing material; and in addition, each copy editor undergoes ongoing training and mentoring on a one-to-one level with me.

The Book Specialist offers two levels of copy-editing: standard, for those who want straightforward copy-editing, and 'intelligent' copy-editing, for those who want just a touch of development support.

Copy-editing services are flexible and tailored to each client's requirements. Based on an excerpt of the material, which I assess personally, I recommend a copy-editing level (light, moderate or intensive), but ultimately I respect my client's right to decide how intensively the copy editor works. It's important that clients retain complete control over their material, so following the copy-edit clients are free to reject or accept the copy editor's changes using the Track Changes feature of Microsoft Word.

Whatever the level of copy-editing, all Book Specialist copy editors are sensitive in their corrections and constructive in their suggestions. Each copy editor knows which changes are essential, which are preferred and which are simply a matter of taste. I see no reason for a copy editor to be unnecessarily pedantic and interfere with an author's creativity. The job of a copy editor isn't to trample on writing style, but to encourage, improve and advise.

WHY HIRE A BOOK COPY EDITOR? Very few authors do not require the services of a book copy editor to tidy their manuscript. That's why every publishing house in the country sends each author's manuscript through both a copy editor and a proofreader before publication.

If your book (ebook or print) is to be clear, accessible, interesting, memorable and effective, the language needs to be of a good standard. Some authors need only minimal support, others need more intensive copy-editing; but all authors, no matter how accomplished, experienced or skilled, can benefit from a copy editor's input.

Some people choose to skip the copy-editing stage in the editorial process, and go straight to hiring a proofreader. Although this means the final book will be accurate and consistent in terms of language, proofreading doesn't guarantee a good writing style. That's why it's best to pay a little more and commission a copy editor.

STANDARD COPY-EDITING Copy-editing is a step up from proofreading. While a proofreader focuses solely on accuracy and consistency of spelling, punctuation and grammar, a copy editor also works to improve the text. Depending on need and requirement, a book copy editor may look at the following: paragraphing, headings, use of bullets and numbered lists, capitalisation, breaking down long sentences and paragraphs, vocabulary, repetition, ensuring clarity, use of punctuation and logical flow. The copy editor works in Microsoft Word, marking up the manuscript using the Track Changes feature.

The level of intervention that a book copy editor undertakes depends on the state of the material and the type of copy-edit requested. Copy-editing varies in scope, from light editing to improve the odd clumsy sentence through to more comprehensive support to tidy the text.

Please note: The Book Specialist copy-editing service does not involve bigger-picture work, such as restructuring, rewriting and addressing issues with the content. That's a job for development editing; or, at the lightest level, intelligent copy-editing (see the next section).

THE ADVANCED OPTION: INTELLIGENT COPY-EDITING If you want just a little more input than copy-editing, you may consider commissioning what I call an 'intelligent' copy-edit. This is a popular option with my clients.

Basically, the copy editor combines very light development editing with thorough copy-editing. So while tidying the language, the copy editor flags any major development issues – such as a glaring inconsistency.

If the author makes small amendments to their book post-edit in line with the copy editor's development comments, the copy editor will be happy to check the revisions, providing they are not too extensive and that the author has highlighted them in the text.

Intelligent copy-editing is a good option for authors who are on a budget but who want to ensure that they haven't missed any obvious problems in their book.

SPECIALISED COPY-EDITING

In addition to regular copy-editing, The Book Specialist offers two specialised copy-editing services:

US to UK English copy-editing: With a degree in American Studies, I'm well-equipped to offer US to UK English copy-editing. Think of this copy-editing service as a translation service. Most people think the two forms of English are pretty much the same, but in fact US and UK English differ significantly in areas such as spelling, vocabulary and punctuation. The Book Specialist copy editors are trained to take US English and bring it into consistent UK English style.

Plain English: A popular style of English for companies, organisations and government, and authors trying to write in the most clear and accessible way. Plain English strips writing down to the minimum, and looks to ensure simplicity, clarity, brevity and direct and active phrasing. For example, It was decided by him, while perusing the wares at what they call a 'supermarket', to omit purchasing the fruit called banana becomes At the supermarket he decided not to buy bananas. Plain English copy-editing is a service to consider if you want to be abundantly clear in your meaning and create text that the reader easily understands.

COPY-EDITING SAMPLE

To get a feel for The Book Specialist copy-editing and intelligent copy-editing services, take a look at these samples: copy-editing example; intelligent copy-editing example.

BOOK COPY-EDITING TERMS

Standard copy-editing costs from £8.00 to £15.00 per 1,000 words. Intelligent copy-editing costs from £10.00 per 1,000 words. Standard turnaround ranges from four to six weeks, depending on the length of the material. I offer an express service, for an increased fee, if required.

COPY-EDITING OTHER MATERIALS The Book Specialist specialises in providing editorial services within the publishing industry. However, the process of copy-editing is the same whatever the text involved, so Book Specialist copy editors also copy-edit other materials, such as scripts, screenplays, poems, lyrics, blogs, websites, marketing materials, letters, proposals and reports for corporate, charity and public sector clients (see my client list). So if you're looking for an accomplished, experienced copy editor for your project, please feel free to get in touch for a quote.

In addition, I am the co-director of AcEDemy, a specialist academic proofreading and copy-editing company. If you're seeking a copy editor for academic material, please visit www.acedemy.co.uk.