Publishers and
self-publishers
Services
Good communication, collaboration and clarity can make a project a dream project. And identifying and fixing potential problems at the earliest appropriate time keeps correction costs low, making everyone’s jobs easier and less stressful. Who doesn’t need that peace of mind? To this end, I provide several services to publishers and self-publishers:
Project consultation
Copy-editing
Typesetting
Proofreading
Note: When a text requires restructuring and development editing, I prefer to work directly with the author. In my experience, this is essential for a successful collaboration. For this reason, I’ve separated development editing as a service for authors on another page. Do feel free to inquire about development editing, if that’s what’s required, and know that the delivered script will be copy-edited during a second pass and arrive ready for typesetting.
Project consultation
Who is this for?
This is a service for self-publishers and publishers who are making decisions about what to publish and how.
What will you get?
Over an hour’s video call, we can discuss any of your questions about production, e.g., what constitutes a realistic schedule, appropriate word counts, illustrations, permissions, cover design, etc. Having a good plan in place could mean a stress-free project with a successful outcome where your time and budget are spent wisely and well.
What will it cost?
This service is €100 for a one-hour video call.
How to book
You can book and pay for an appointment here and tell me more about your project via the inquiry form or by email.
Copy-editing
Who is this for?
As soon as the content and structure of the book are finalised, it’s ready for copy-editing. I see copy-editing as the first step in the production process and so provide this service to publishers and self-publishers who are preparing books for print and ebook publication.
What will I do?
Essentially, I prepare the typescript for a smooth ride through typesetting and proofreading. This means cleaning up and tagging formatting, checking spelling and applying a consistent style, as well as reading for good sense and clarity. I edit in Word, using a range of macros and tools like Editorium and PerfectIt to speed up mechanical tasks. This allow me lots of time for close line-by-line reading. If there are footnotes and a bibliography, they will get a thorough check and be made consistent with a style such as Harvard or APA. Getting these elements right early in the process really saves time and teeth-grinding in proofreading and final revisions. I’ll also indicate where to place illustrations and tables and edit captions.
What will you get?
After copy-editing, you’ll receive a clean edited document (styled in Word styles or <tagged>), ready to be imported into your typesetter’s or designer’s page-layout software. I also send a second copy of the edit showing all tracked changes made to the original, a style sheet showing decisions made on spelling and style, running heads, plot and characterisation notes, and any other relevant information.
What will it cost?
My rate for copy-editing is €40 per 1,000 words, plus 23% VAT if applicable.
How to book
Tell me more about your project, and I will be in touch to confirm availability and interest and to set up the next steps.
Typesetting
Who is this for?
I offer typesetting and ebook formatting for books I have copy-edited, providing a one-stop-shop solution where it is needed.
What will I do?
I typeset in InDesign preferably but can also use Word templates (e.g., for Kindle Direct Publishing). I’ll place images, tables and illustrations, and lay out the text in line with best publishing practice.
What will you get?
You will receive a set of proofs in PDF format for approval, and the final deliverable will be a print-ready PDF or formatted ebook or both (as required).
What will it cost?
I charge €5 per page plus 23% VAT if applicable. This is usually enough for the design and a couple of rounds of light corrections. Hours beyond that are chargeable at €60 per hour plus 23% VAT.
How to book
Tell me more about your project, and I will be in touch to confirm availability and interest and to set up the next steps.
Proofreading
Who is this for?
Proofreading is the final quality-assurance stage and involves a careful check of the typeset pages to ensure all elements of the book are present and correct, then a close reading to hunt for any remaining errors.
What will I do?
First, I check running heads and folios, page size and margins, lists such as the table of contents and lists of figures and tables, widows, orphans and bad word breaks as well as placement of images, tables, captions, etc. Then I read the text carefully to check for typos and anything else that pops out.
What will you get?
Usually the deliverable here is a marked-up PDF with a list of queries for the author, but I can also input corrections into an InDesign file if required.
What will it cost?
My rate for proofreading is €27 per 1,000 words plus 23% VAT if applicable.
How to book
Tell me more about your project, and I will be in touch to confirm availability and interest and to set up the next steps.