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In Fact Checking, facts and quotes used in Manuscript will be checked for accuracy by referencing the original sources (cited by Author) or other reference sources.

Usually needed only for non-fiction. Does not include providing or changing system of citations.

In a Critique, the big picture strengths and weaknesses present in the story are pointed out, specifically regarding the basic elements of successful storytelling. Some suggestions for revision may be included as well.

Based on the Critique, Author may need to rework whole pages or scenes to make the overall story flow appropriately. Note will be taken of successful and questionable issues with characterization, conflict/tension, description, inconsistencies, pacing, passive writing, plot, point of view, scene development, and showing vs. telling.

If warranted, consistent grammatical errors will be pointed out as a common courtesy.

No comments are made within Manuscript, rather a separate 3–5 page single-spaced reader report will be created.

In a Developmental Edit, an overall critique and analysis of work is done.

When fixing issues found, whole pages or scenes may need to be reworked to make the overall story flow appropriately. Editor may revise sections to improve weaknesses with characterization, conflict/tension, description, inconsistencies, pacing, passive writing, plot, point of view, scene development, and showing vs. telling.

Consistent grammatical errors may be pointed out as a common courtesy but not corrected repeatedly.

In a Line Edit, sentences and paragraphs may require reworking rather than whole pages or scenes.

Areas addressed include awkward phrasing, syntax issues (sentence variety and structure), repetition, showing vs. telling, word choice, passive verbs, suitable dialogue, clichés, anachronisms, chapter breaks, timeline consistency, clarifying meaning, eliminating jargon, polishing language, and other non-mechanical line-by-line editing.

Minor fact checking as well as potential copyright issues may also be mentioned.

A follow-up proofread by another set of eyes is advised to catch minor errors and formatting issues.

In a Copy Edit, focus is on proper conventions of sentence mechanics and basic errors in spelling, grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and other mechanics of style.

Also addressed may include checking for consistency, clarifying meaning, eliminating jargon, and polishing language. In general, there is no restructuring or re-writing of sentences for clarity. Editor may also point out lack of consistency in formatting, but no reformatting will be done.

For this level of edit, it is preferable that Author provide a manuscript that has been formatted for final print.

Note: We will only Copy Edit manuscripts we have already performed a Line Edit on.

• Indexing (usually only for non-fiction)

Indexing includes marking specific words or concepts called out by Author and creating an alphabetically sorted Index in the Back Matter to act as a systematic guide to the information in the Work. Subject to extra fee depending on extent of index.

In Formatting, the content pages will be designed with consideration of the following options:

• Running Headers and Footers
  • Title info
  • Page numbers
• Font
  • Type
  • Size
• Spacing
  • Line
  • Paragraph
• Indentation
• Justification
• Margins and Gutters
• Widows and Orphans

In Layout, any images will be placed appropriately, and the Front and Back matter will optionally include the following:

• Title page, Copyright page, Table of Contents, Dedication, Acknowledgements, Introduction, Forward, Preface, and Prologue
• Epilogue, Afterword, Appendix, Bibliography, Colophon, Glossary, Pronunciation guide, Index, Notes, References, About the Author, Order form, and Next Book Announcement

Price will vary depending on Author’s choice of options and complexity of content. At the low end is Pure text (fiction), ranging up through memoir with a few pictures, to technical documents with diagrams, graphs, and charts that need to flow with the text.

In Proofreading, overall page layout of final printed version is considered. (electronic version of final .pdf acceptable)

Items examined include font size and style, line spacing, justification, margins and gutters, widows and orphans, running headers and footers, page numbers, blank pages, etc. as well as chapter title styles.

Front Matter is checked for optional Title page, Copyright page, TOC, preface, acknowledgements, dedication, foreword, introduction, prologue, etc.

Back Matter is checked for optional epilogue, afterword, conclusion, postscript, appendices, notes, chronology, glossary, references, bibliography, indices, colophon, etc.

An ISBN identifies your book, so readers will get the exact version and format they want. Your ISBN will be issued and registered with Bowker's Books In Print Data Base, giving your book visibility to book buyers and distributors world wide.

• Use your own ISBN at any printer or distributor, instead of getting a different ISBN for each one, which means:
  • Your print version won't have different ISBNs at Amazon, Book Baby, or IngramSpark.
  • Your ebook version won't have different ISBNs at KDP, Smashwords, or Draft2Digital.

Multiple ISBNs for one book might confuse readers. Get one and stick with it.

Let us help you with this final step in the publishing process.