Hard‑Copy Revision


Are you looking for a book editor who will correct a physical, printed manuscript?
Do you prefer hard‑copy editing instead of electronic editing?

Some might call this method old‑fashioned, but many writers would rather hire an editor to review their manuscript in printed form and make corrections with the classic red pen. Compare the benefits of each below to determine which method you prefer.

Benefits of hard‑copy editing:

  • ◾Author maintains total control over manuscript revisions.
  • ◾Our eyes catch more mistakes in printed text than they do in text displayed on a screen.
  • ◾Reduces screen-viewing time.
  • ◾In addition to written corrections in the printed manuscript, the author receives a printed summary of customized suggestions and writing tips.
  • ◾By default, your edited manuscript will be scanned and backup images retained in case it's lost or damaged in shipment. Images will be deleted one week after you receive the manuscript. You can also opt out of scanning.

Use the link below to download my form and request a quote for  Hard‑Copy Revision  services.

DOWNLOAD AND SAVE

Do not view the form in a pdf reader or you will not be able to fill it out. Either print it and fill it out by hand, or fill out this form in one of these three programs:

  • Any version of Microsoft Word (preferred)
  • Google Docs
  • LibreOffice

Benefits of electronic editing:

  • ◾Typically a faster process overall.
  • ◾Editor formats manuscript for ebook and paperback publication.
  • ◾No printing, scanning, or shipping charges.
  • ◾Editor implements initial changes - less work for the author.
  • ◾Easy to send a backup copy if author's electronic files are lost or corrupted.

For all electronic book editing, please see my main Services page.

 Hard‑Copy Revision editing services - click buttons below to expand service details.

  • ◾Copyediting and line editing corrections

    Copyediting (proofreading):

    Spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, pronouns, spacing, and verb-tense (allowing deviations for poetic license if applicable).

    Line editing:

    Eliminating redundancy and extraneous words and phrases, adjusting sentence and paragraph structure, rewriting run-on sentences, replacing overused words with synonyms, and substituting stronger alternatives for weak words, phrases, and sentences; suggestions related to poetry structure and rhyming (if applicable); related topic and term research, fact-checking.

  • ◾Targeted developmental and structural feedback

    Developmental and structural feedback:

    Nonfiction books - Feedback about any issues related to tone, audience, details, logical order, clarity, consistency, structure, and transitions; suggestions about reorganization or subheadings.
    Fiction books - Feedback about any issues related to characters, plot, pacing, setting, dialogue, transitions, consistency, and craft.

  • ◾Suggestions and guidelines for front or back matter

    Front/back matter:

    Title page, copyright page, dedication, epigraph, table of contents, foreword, preface, acknowledgements, introduction, prologue, epilogue, about the author page, references page, and appendix.

  • ◾Printing, scanning, and shipping services

    Manuscript printing:

    Printing of unedited manuscript from electronic file (if requested).

    Manuscript scanning:

    Scanning of unedited manuscript and edited manuscript for temporary backup images.

    Manuscript shipping:

    Shipping of edited manuscript (required); shipping of scanned images on a flash drive (optional).


Steps of hard‑copy book editing process:

  • ●Author sends filled out form (above) and 4,000-word portion either by postal mail or email.
  • ●Editor sends quote and contract to Author.
  • ●Author notifies Editor by email that quote is accepted or declined.
  • ●If accepted, Editor sends invoice by email. Author pays deposit or full amount.
  • ●UNedited manuscript is either printed by the Author and shipped to the Editor OR emailed by the Author and printed by the Editor.
  • ●Editor scans UNEDITED manuscript and keeps images as temporary backup.
  • ●Editor begins editing printed manuscript.
  • ●Editor sends clarification questions to the Author either by postal mail or email. Author replies either by postal mail or email.
  • ●Editor scans EDITED printed manuscript and keeps images as a temporary backup.
  • ●Editor ships complete EDITED printed manuscript.
  • ●Author pays remaining balance (if applicable) within 3 days.
  • ●Editor deletes all backup images one week after complete edited printed copy is received by Author.

Hard-Copy Editing Terms, Policies, and Procedures