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Presentation is critical
You might have all the right words in the perfect order, but spelling and grammatical errors in a peace of writing will negatively impact your audience's level of engagement. Did you spot that? Did it inspire confidence and fuel your urge to read on? If it wasn't intentional you would probably have hit the back button already. If it bothers you as much as it does me, click here to rectify it.
The correct use of grammar, punctuation and spelling is every bit as important as engaging content, one without the other results in mediocrity, which is not something any of us aspire to.
More than this, your report, document or novel needs to be formatted in a way that is relevant to your audience and is appealing to the eye. Too much information in a lengthy paragraph may be better represented as bullet points, chapter headings and first word styling need to be consistent, as examples.
Sometimes it takes an outside eye to spot mistakes, the old wood for the trees idiom. This is why we have the need for editors and proofreaders. Reading your own copy can still result in errors as your brain replaces the words on the page with the words it expects to see, a phenomenon I have experienced myself as a novelist and travel writer.
If you decide not to use the services of a professional, I strongly recommend that you get a friend or family member to proofread your work, and I guarantee they will still find errors that you missed.
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Select a service from the menu above for more detail.
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Do I need editing or proofreading?
Many people think that editing and proofreading are the same activity, but there are some major differences.
Proofreading is the activity of correcting superficial errors in grammar, syntax, formatting, punctuation and spelling, and is usually done on a final draft that has already undergone extensive editing, just before submitting a paper which is otherwise ready to be published. If this is not where you are at with your project then keep reading.
Editing entails the same activities as proofreading, as well as analyzing the way that ideas and information is presented, keeping the target audience in mind. It is a time when facts are double checked, inelegant repetition is eliminated, authenticity of a story is analyzed and the flow and cohesion of the document as a whole is scrutinized to ensure the best experience for the end reader.
Editing is an ongoing process, one which successful authors themselves undertake in excess of eight or ten times before submitting to a publishing house, who will again edit the document and provide feedback to the author. Only once you feel you have reworked your document to the best of your ability should you engage with a professional editor, as otherwise it could wind up being a costly exercise.
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Do I need editing or proofreading?
Many people think that editing and proofreading are the same activity but there are some major differences.
Proofreading is the activity of correcting superficial errors in grammar, syntax, formatting, punctuation and spelling, and is usually done on a final draft that has already undergone extensive editing, just before submitting a paper which is otherwise ready to be published. If this is where you are at with your project then this is the option that you need.
Editing entails the same activities as proofreading, as well as analyzing the way that ideas and information is presented, keeping the target audience in mind. It is a time when facts are double checked, authenticity of a story is analyzed and the flow and cohesion of the document as a whole is scrutinized to ensure the best experience for the end reader.
Editing is an ongoing process, one which successful authors themselves undertake in excess of eight or ten times before submitting to a publishing house, who will again edit the document and provide feedback to the author. Only once you feel you have reworked your document to the best of your ability should you engage with a professional editor, as otherwise it could wind up being a costly exercise.
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Who cares about formatting?
Your readers do. We all know the importance of first impressions and when a reader opens your report or novel, we want them to feel welcome and drawn to it. Use a font that is easy to read and a line-spacing that doesn't strain the eyes or create an impression of too much content crammed into too little space.
Make effective use of headings, particularly if your book has chapters. A clear delineation between chapters, such as putting chapter headings lower on a fresh page or changing the font or style of the first word of each chapter, keeps the reader engaged without feeling they need to take a break or to turn off the light and go to sleep.
Most importantly, be consistent in your formatting. Make sure every new section or chapter looks the same otherwise your reader will lose their sense of continuity. If you use an image or symbol to seperate sections that are part of the same chapter (---o--- for example), make sure it is consistent throughout.
If you have reread and re-edited your draft as many times as you should have, you are probably sick of looking at it by now. Send it my way to sort out the formatting.
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Indexing can be a pain
Indexing your thesis, how-to guide or business proposal can be time consuming and an unpleasant task.
Let us create your index page for you.
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Need copy written on any subject for any audience?
I can produce copy on any topic, aimed at any audience, plus enhance your visibility on the Internet.
Just like the formatting and quality of content in a hardcopy document, your web page or advertisement not only has to look professional to reflect your attitude to what you do, it also has to be easy on the eyes and present engaging content.
Currently, I have the following special offers for real estate agents looking for assistance in editing/writing blurbs for their listings.
Option 1: $5
For $5, I will edit an existing blurb for publication online, checking grammar, spelling, punctuation and eliminating clichéd and tired phrasing.
Option 2: $20
For $20, I will create 4 copies from your document, of various lengths, for publication in the major medias. For an additional $10, I can also take over the submission to print media and uploading to websites.
Option 3: $250
For $250, I will visit the property with the agent and prepare the blurb in various lengths for publication in the major medias. At no additional charge, I can also take over the submission to print media and uploading to websites.
Option 4: $300
For $300, you will get option 3 + photographs.
*A $20 surcharge applies for onsite visits south of Auckland CBD.
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Who can self-publish?
You can.
With Amazon's Createspace and KDP programs, anybody can get their book published and made available for sale, either in paperback, Kindle or both.
It can be a bit intimidating at first, but we will create your account and do it all for you. If you would like to learn how to do it, we would be happy to guide you through the process yourself, either in person, telephonically or via Skype.
NB. The first step to publishing your book on Amazon is to have a professionally designed cover. Amazon's statistics show that books with professional covers are far more likely to garner attention than those with plain or poorly constructed covers. The same applies to poorly edited novels.
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Timothy Owen
I have been a freelance writer for various magazines since 2002, starting with humor pieces and moving on to travel writing later on.
In 2009 I moved into an editing role, whilst also working on my first novel which was published by Dreamspinner Press in 2010.
I subsequently published two more novels, both originally self-published on Amazon before Partridge accepted my children's book.
How this works
I am always available to chat, face to face if you are in Auckland, or via text, email or Skype. The nature of your requirement will dictate our level of interaction. If it is a simple editing job then we will not need to communicate as frequently as if you are looking for help with plot, story ideas or overcoming writer's block, which can be found under the Support option.
I insist on a personal approach. I want to know what your aims, hopes and dreams are for the piece of work you are doing. If it's a business report, I want to know about your business, who is your audience and what are you hoping to achieve?
A novel? What is your theme, what emotions are you hoping to evoke in your readers, what do you think your strengths and weaknesses are so I can advise on what you are doing well and what you could be better at.
Am I qualified?
I have three novels published, through both mainstream and self-publishing and I know exactly how much work it entails; the challenges, the off-days, the reworking and re-editing and re-reading until you just can't bare to look at it anymore. I also know the thrill of being offered a publishing contract, and I want to help you achieve that goal too.
I have been a humour and travel feature writer for many magazines over the years, and these guys do NOT do any editing, so if you make a mistake it is out there for the world to see, and it is mortifying.
I have a degree in creative writing and copy editing from the University of South Africa.
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What customers on Freelancer.com are saying
The top of Mt. Sinai at 5am for a travel article. |
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Let me know how I can help you.
If you have any questions, or would like to make an enquiry, please contact me using the details below.
Email: info@copyediting.co.nz
Phone: +64 21 2244533
The North Shore Writers Group
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We all need a little help
All of us suffer from writers block, lack of motivation or indecision about a plot element at some point.
Sometimes the best way to overcome these problems is to speak to another writer to keep you motivated or offer advice on your dilemma.
If you feel unmotivated, uninspired or overwhelmed, perhaps we need to chat over coffee, either in person or over Skype. I am available to meet anywhere on the North Shore whenever suits you, and if I am unable to assist, there will be no charge.
Alternatively, attend my writing group which meets at the Browns Bay community center every second Saturday. For more information, visit The North Shore writers and authors group on Meetup.com.
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