A copy edit works with your document to make it the best version of itself. It is a comprehensive review for consistency, clarity, content integrity, and correctness.

The following outlines what you can expect when you hire me to copy edit your work:

Consistency

Checking that tone and voice are consistent throughout
Verifying terminology is used consistently and flagging terms that shift in spelling, capitalization, or usage
Checking that headings and subheadings are consistent in style, capitalization, and parallel structure
Reviewing lists for parallel structure and consistent punctuation
Checking that formatting, including fonts, spacing, indentation, and recurring design elements, is consistent throughout

Language

Checking for things such as subject-verb agreement, pronoun-antecedent agreement, consistency and correctness in semicolon, colon, em dash, and en dash usage, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences
Reviewing comma and apostrophe usage, including serial commas, introductory clauses, compound sentences, possessives, and contractions
Flagging jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may need to be defined for the reader
Reviewing word choice for clarity and appropriateness to your audience
Flagging wordy, awkward, or imprecise text and providing suggested revisions

Mechanics and style guide

Applying the agreed-upon style guide (e.g., AP, Chicago, house style) consistently throughout
Checking spelling of specialized terms and all proper nouns (including names and titles), capitalization for consistency and correctness, number formatting, and hyphenation for compound modifiers and terms flagged in the style guide
Verifying consistent spelling of terms not covered by the style guide
Reviewing abbreviations and acronyms for consistency and correctness

Accuracy

Flagging questionable statements and factual inconsistencies
Verifying terminology as needed
Flagging faulty organization and gaps in logic

A copy edit from Inkling Editorial does not include

restructuring or reorganization of content.
rewriting sections or altering your voice beyond what's needed for correctness.
fact-checking.
formatting or preparing files for print or e-book production.
proofreading (ensuring that the approved final copy is correctly rendered in type).

Contact me.