What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing involves checking a document from the foundation up. In addition to cleaning up grammatical and typographical errors, an editor ensures the use of concise language, clear organization, as well as general factual accuracy. You should also think of an editor as a marketplace sounding board—if we can’t understand what you are trying to communicate, neither will your audience—we’ll keep asking questions until the message is clear. Proofreading is a review of the final draft of a document to ensure previous corrections have been incorporated and no new errors have been introduced.
How do I know whether I need an editor?
A common assumption is that the person who wrote the document can also edit it, but when you’ve written, rewritten, and read a document several times, your brain may cease to acknowledge errors and inconsistencies. The role of a writer is to craft the document. The role of an editor is to polish that document to a professional shine. Errors are costly. Why take the risk?
What style does Row House Publishing Services follow?
A professional editor will apply the style that the client desires, or will assist the client in determining a style. While there are rules that should be followed, the key is consistency. If you spell it colour the first time, don’t use color the next.
What type of material does RHPS provide editorial services for?
If you have a document—manuscript; annual report; Web page content—Row House can edit it…or proofread it. Perhaps you need someone to make sure the information is factually accurate. Maybe you need someone to find the information in the first place. Is your schedule too jammed to manage one more communications project? Row House Publishing Services can help.
In what format should I send the material to Row House Publishing Services?
Row House is happy to work on either hard copies or electronic copies of your documents.
How will I understand the changes Row House makes to my document?
If you wish to work electronically, Row House can work in either Word or Acrobat and will utilize the “track changes” feature of these programs. This will allow you to see the suggested revision and will give you the option to accept that change or revert to the original text. If you submit a hard copy, Row House will mark up your document using traditional editing/proofreading symbols. If desired, a glossary of symbols can be made available with the finished project.