No matter which format you choose for your publication, editing and proofreading are essential. These processes have remained at the core of the publishing industry because they provide the consistency and readability that make a publication a joy to read.
Editing is a two-part process. First comes the structural edit — the process of making sure that all the information and content of your publication is organised in a consistent and logical fashion. Do your headings lead the reader through your publication? Does each heading reflect the material beneath it in the body of the publication?
Careful structural editing can result in a vastly improved reading experience.
When you have your material sorted out in an attractive and compelling fashion the next step is the copy edit. This is when issues like grammar, sentence construction, punctuation and the correct use of styles like bold and italic come to the fore. Accuracy is vital – typos and inappropriate word choices disappoint readers.
After the edited publication has been through the design process the final step is proofreading. This is a final check of spelling and punctuation and the last chance to get publishing layout details absolutely correct.
Whether you’re writing a book, a PhD thesis or a job application it really is difficult to edit your own work. Bill Twyman has over 20 years experience editing all manner of publications and is an accredited member of the Society of Editors. Let him give your work the spit and polish it deserves!