Editing is a complex and vital step in this process. Three steps are necessary, in some capacity, to guarantee an understandable and easily read book. Of course, our mutual goal is to reduce the amount of errors in the text that would disrupt a reader from enjoying your completed work.

You can be a key part of this process as we work all the kinks out of your writing; but you can rest assured that we will advise you through every step. Your end result is a clean and organized manuscript that a reader is bound to enjoy.

Step One – Content

Organization is Key! Your book needs to be organized in a way that will carry the reader through to the end without losing their interest or understanding. An author can use many techniques to captivate the reader, and explain the content in a way that is clear to their audience. An author has the task of creating and developing the story: characters, plot, and setting. In this step, the editor can help the author make certain that these elements are brought together cohesively and congruously.

This step involves in-depth editing, usually at the earlier stage of a manuscript. I offer suggestions for style consistency, organization, and clarity. I also target structure (paragraph formatting and transitions) and grammatical cleanliness. I will help you write, when necessary, in your own style, in a clear and consistent manner.

Step Two – Mechanics

Once your book is organized and it is obvious that all elements are working together, it is time to “dig in” to the mechanics of the book. This step focuses on grammatical and typographical errors, as well as cross-checking citations, if necessary. It is also a final check for style and organizational consistency, and questions pertaining to those issues will be queried.

Step Three – Proofreading*

Each time your book is read, at any stage of editing, more errors are gleaned out and the book becomes “cleaner” and easier to read. Of course, it is impossible to guarantee 100 percent of errors are uncovered, but a seasoned editor/proofreader will have a keen eye and the experience needed to search out those little, human glitches.

Proofreading is the final editing stage, used to check for typographical errors, also verifying that changes and suggestions that were queried during previous editing stages were properly applied.

* When continuing on with the publication process through Lucid Style Author Services, proofreading can be completed after the final layout of the book. See Publication Process and Services for more information.