Copy Editing
Copyediting is the process of revising written material to improve readability and fitness, as well as ensuring that text is free of grammatical errors.
When providing this service, my overall goals for copyediting are:
Adapting language and messaging towards the intended audience
Example: As the expert in your field, you may have a written a highly technical blog and you would like the general audience to understand the content. I would work with you to learn who the audience is and help you communicate the message towards them. Remember that I have had days where I’ve worked with 10 year olds all the way to adults? Allow me to flex into my educator experience to help you tailor your communications to a variety of people.
Combining multiple voices, opinions and feedback into succinct, usable statements
Example: Your team is creating a common mission and vision, as well as value statements. You have a healthy list of ideas and thoughts of what these statements should include. I would work with you to analyze themes among your team and help create a unified voice that encompasses everyone’s contributions.
Creating client-centered guides, presentations, and workbooks to help facilitate your services
Example: You are creating a workshop for the clients you serve that includes a variety of information, resources, activities and tools. You also want your clients to walk away with worksheets, handouts or a guide. I would work with you to comb through your archive of curated information and resources to create deliverables. I would also tap into my experience as an educator to recommend and/or embed learning strategies and procedures that could meet your clients where they are at and facilitate opportunities for deeper learning.
Offer opportunities for language and audience accessibility
Example: You are creating a presentation for a diverse group of audience members (could be education, background, experience, English Language Learners, etc.). I would work with you to understand the goal of your messaging, the outcomes you hope your audience leaves with and offer recommendations on how to connect with your audience in a variety of ways. Suggestions could be creating culturally-relevant examples, providing visual or infographic suggestions, adapting activities geared toward different learning styles, or chunking communication for better digestibility and understanding.
Make simple updates to old or outdated documents
Example: You have an orientation manual that was created 5 years ago with incorrect dates, names, information, etc. While simple, it can be time consuming. I would help you update and edit it, collaborating with you along the way to ensure all information was factually correct.
As you can see from the above goals and examples, there is no “one-size-fits-all” package with copyediting, because it will be completely dependent on your desired outcomes for the project and the scope of work required. Your Copyediting contract will be customized to your individual needs, however standard services will include:
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1 hr Launch Meeting
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Full scope of work and timeline
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2 revisions for changes and adaptations
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At least 1 check in session
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1 Wrap-up Meeting, including transferring all assets
Cost: Starting at $50/hour
$35/hour for micro/small enterprises (businesses)* and nonprofits/educational entities**
Considering some Copyediting services?
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Let’s start with scheduling a FREE 30 MINUTE CONSULTATION - we can use this opportunity to get to know each other a little, nail down exactly what package and services you are needing, confirm the contract, and schedule our Launch meeting.
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Typically I ask that 50% of the contract quote is paid by the time of our Launch meeting and the other 50% before the transfer of assets, however we can negotiate a payment plan that work best for us both!
*micro/small enterprises are defined as businesses with 49 or less employees (OECD.org)
**nonprofit and educational entities are defined as organizations recognized as a 501(c)(3) - Are you a grant recipient and need to consider matching funds? I know how that goes… let’s chat!
Referral discount for any organization that refers 3 other businesses that contract = additional 15% future services