A Guide To Effective Book Copyediting
The process of turning a story from the babblings of a writer into a nicely bound work of art is long and grueling. There is a whole step by step process to ensure it is as presentable and readable as possible. Book copyediting is one such important step. Some discount it as mere spell check but nothing could be further from the truth. There will be spell check, of course, but it is much more than that.
Apart from grammar, spelling, and syntax, the step also involves a check for technicalities and possible story inconsistencies. There is a check for possible legal liability. For the non-fiction works, this step also ensures all facts in the work are correct and relevant. In traditional publishing, experts make sure that the work adheres to the current publishing standards. There is a need for diligent attention to detail and other special skills at this stage.
Before getting to this point, there is a manuscript critique. This is a big picture scrutiny of the writing. Then there is more detail scrutiny called the comprehensive edit which is a line by line assessment. After these two stages, your manuscript is deemed ready for the professional to fine tooth comb it until there is not a single error or issue. At this point, the final script is being prepared for production. Proofreading is the last step before mass production of the book and release.
The best thing is to hire a professional. The chief reason is a phenomenon called typo blindness. It is said that one can be blind to their own mistakes because their mind already knows the message. The mind already knows what was meant. There are tips to reduce the severity or chances of this phenomenon but a professional will be ultimately better for the work. A professional will be better for the readers as they will enjoy the book. It will also be a good move for the peace of mind of the author.
There are times when one is self-publishing and will, therefore, most probably be on a tight budget. Work has still got to get to the masses speck-free. One may then scrutinize their own manuscript in this instance. It has been done, simmer down. The key is to take a week-long or longer break from the script once complete. The mind will be fresh and it will be easier to notice errors. One may also print out the manuscript. It is said that on paper the errors will jump out at the reader than if it as on a screen.
A reader may be unable to tell exactly what the issue with the story is but chances are that the passive voice is disturbing. This is uncomfortable and cruel. Use vivid action verbs instead. Similarly, excessive use of adverbs and adjectives is boring and painful. Descriptive language will work better. Readers will say- oh what a picture this writer paints?
Find sentences that seem too long and shorten them. Find sentences that seem too short and ensure they make sense otherwise add a little something until they do. Too much emphasis by way of italics or exclamation marks is for less serious works. Get rid of those.
This process should be long and arduous. Take enough time on this. Look over every word and every punctuation. Read the script aloud. Once corrections are made maybe read each page backward now.
Apart from grammar, spelling, and syntax, the step also involves a check for technicalities and possible story inconsistencies. There is a check for possible legal liability. For the non-fiction works, this step also ensures all facts in the work are correct and relevant. In traditional publishing, experts make sure that the work adheres to the current publishing standards. There is a need for diligent attention to detail and other special skills at this stage.
Before getting to this point, there is a manuscript critique. This is a big picture scrutiny of the writing. Then there is more detail scrutiny called the comprehensive edit which is a line by line assessment. After these two stages, your manuscript is deemed ready for the professional to fine tooth comb it until there is not a single error or issue. At this point, the final script is being prepared for production. Proofreading is the last step before mass production of the book and release.
The best thing is to hire a professional. The chief reason is a phenomenon called typo blindness. It is said that one can be blind to their own mistakes because their mind already knows the message. The mind already knows what was meant. There are tips to reduce the severity or chances of this phenomenon but a professional will be ultimately better for the work. A professional will be better for the readers as they will enjoy the book. It will also be a good move for the peace of mind of the author.
There are times when one is self-publishing and will, therefore, most probably be on a tight budget. Work has still got to get to the masses speck-free. One may then scrutinize their own manuscript in this instance. It has been done, simmer down. The key is to take a week-long or longer break from the script once complete. The mind will be fresh and it will be easier to notice errors. One may also print out the manuscript. It is said that on paper the errors will jump out at the reader than if it as on a screen.
A reader may be unable to tell exactly what the issue with the story is but chances are that the passive voice is disturbing. This is uncomfortable and cruel. Use vivid action verbs instead. Similarly, excessive use of adverbs and adjectives is boring and painful. Descriptive language will work better. Readers will say- oh what a picture this writer paints?
Find sentences that seem too long and shorten them. Find sentences that seem too short and ensure they make sense otherwise add a little something until they do. Too much emphasis by way of italics or exclamation marks is for less serious works. Get rid of those.
This process should be long and arduous. Take enough time on this. Look over every word and every punctuation. Read the script aloud. Once corrections are made maybe read each page backward now.
About the Author:
You can find complete details about the advantages you get when you use professional book copyediting services at http://www.hcnediting.com/services-and-fees right now.
Comments
Post a Comment