Editing Service
What is copyediting?
The purpose of copyediting is to improve the clarity of the writing. This is to ensure that it is easy to read and that the meaning you want to convey is clear.
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A copyedit can be done at more than one stage of the writing process. For example, between the writing of a first and second draft, or between the final draft and publication.
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I can suggest edits on aspects such as:
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making the writing flow more easily;
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alternatives to specialised/technical language; and/or
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use of Plain English (making your writing clear, concise and accessible).
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Editing is usually done before proofreading. See my proofreading service for what this involves. ​
How will you edit my work?
Editing is a team effort between the writer and the editor. So I would start by agreeing with you what your aims are, which aspects of the writing you need me to focus on and what you want to communicate to the reader.
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I can make any suggestions in your document using tracked changes and/or comments as you prefer, which you can then approve or decline. Alternatively, we can discuss another way of working where appropriate.
I've edited for many different organisations and individuals, each with their own priorities and schedules, so I can be flexible to meet your needs. This includes how and when you would like me to send queries and update you on my progress with the project.
​After I have completed the edit for you, the second stage of the process is for you to go through my suggestions and decide what changes to make. I can either send you the document for you to do this in your own time, or we can work through this together. if we do this together, I will tidy up the document, removing tracked changes and send you a clean copy of the agreed new version.​​​
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Do you offer an editing service for poetry?
Yes, I also offer editing services for poetry. Some aspects of the editing process are the same for poetry as they are for other forms of writing (see above) but there are also other aspects to consider with this form.
These can include, as required, suggestions on: ​theme, form, metaphor, rhythm, rhyme and line order.
For poetry anthologies, suggestions can relate to: order of the creative pieces, foreword, dedications, author bios etc.
For support with promoting a poetry pamphlet/chapbook, collection or anthology, see my copywriting services page.
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For details of my experience in poetry writing, residencies and commissions, see my poetry services and published poetry pages.
What qualifications do you have?
As well as extensive experience in editing, proofreading and writing (see below), I have the following relevant qualifications:
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MA in Creative Writing (distinction) including poetry, fiction and travel memoir.​
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- CELTA qualification (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults) and experience teaching EFL and ESOL in the UK.
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BA (hons) degree in Drama including playwriting and comedy writing.​
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What experience do you have?
My experience in editing, proofreading and writing includes:
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Associate Editor on inspection reports for HMICFRS (His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services).
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Associate Proofreader on inspection reports for HMICFRS (His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services).
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Proofreader of e-learning programmes at BYG Systems Ltd.
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Copywriter and proofreader of newsletters, web content, blogs and publicity materials at social enterprise Communities Inc.
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Proofreader of science fiction for Black Library, part of Games Workshop.
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Proofreader of board games rules for publisher The Dark Imp.
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Proofreader and/or contributing editor of several anthologies of poetry, fiction and memoir.
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Script Assistant proofreading scripts and storylines for 'Hollyoaks' and 'Brookside' at Mersey TV (Now Lime Pictures).
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Copywriter of web copy, newsletters and articles at Futures Group.
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Writer of plain English section of bid for an NHS NIH (National Institute of Health).
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Copywriter (including proofreading and editing) of newsletters, blogs, web copy and reports for the DDPO (D/deaf and disabled people's organisation) Inclusion Barnet.
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Plus writing, editing and proofreading copy for several law firms, charities, and organisations in the arts.
Why choose me?
1. Extensive experience
With extensive experience in proofreading, editing and copywriting a variety of documents, plus a masters degree in creative writing, I am ideally placed to help you present your writing clearly and to a professional standard.
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I have also taught English as a foreign language and achieved the CELTA qualification (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), so I know what to look for when it comes to grammar, spelling and punctuation too.​​​​​​​​​
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2. Flexibility to meet your needs
Proofreading, editing and copywriting are team efforts.
I've worked with many different organisations and individuals, each with their own priorities and schedules, so I am used to being flexible to meet each one's needs. This includes using your style guide if you have one. It also includes agreeing with you how and when you would like me to send queries and update you on my progress.
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3. The skills to ensure your message is clear
As I have extensive experience in writing in a variety of forms, I am well-practised in conveying a clear message to a specific audience.
Effective writing has a message to communicate and conveys that message clearly to the reader. I'll work with you to help ensure this is the case, and that you're clear who your intended audience is.​
Testimonials
"Excellent editing and proofing of reports [...] A huge thank you for your enthusiasm and engagement with the work."
"Jo has incredible attention to detail. I always feel reassured when I know she's proofread my copy.
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She makes sure all errors are addressed constructively; her feedback is detailed and contains easy to implement solutions."
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"I've been tempted in the past to do my own proofreading and it's always been a mistake. It doesn't matter how many times I've been through text myself, I still miss things.
I wish I'd used Jo from the start. She has a keen eye, fabulous command of the English language and great attention to detail."
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"Jo has a keen eye for detail. Her meticulousness in proofreading and editing ensures all our written content is polished and error-free."