Book editing

I format your manuscript – including the references – according to the publisher’s house style.

This includes:

• ensuring consistency in fonts, spacing, margins, and heading styles

• checking that all sections required for submission are present (e.g. list of abbreviations, appendices, images, copyright information)

• applying consistent formatting across in-text references, footnotes, and reference lists

I check all references in the reference list and in the text or footnotes.

This includes:

• cross-checking all in-text references against the reference list and vice versa

• marking all references that are incomplete or missing for your attention

I check and correct all matters that have to do with language – spelling, punctuation and grammar.

This includes:

• correcting grammar mistakes

• correcting incorrect punctuation

• correcting spelling mistakes

• correcting improper word usage

• correcting improper use of passive voice

If the author or the publisher calls for the use of plain language, I edit the text accordingly.

I read the manuscript for the argument.

This includes:

• checking that the flow of the argument works

  • within sentences

  • within paragraphs

  • across paragraphs and sub-sections

  • across chapters

• flagging when I get lost or struggle to understand something and suggesting solutions

• identifying where linking (or flagging) sentences are required for easier reading and suggesting solutions

• flagging repetitions and suggesting solutions

I check all figures, graphs, maps etc and their captions.

This includes:

• formatting graphs and tables

• fact-checking the details in the figures etc

• ensuring all figures etc have a caption

• checking the figures etc for copyright and informing the author of any permissions that have to be sought

I do fact-checks of basic facts.

This includes:

• checking the names of persons and organisations

• checking dates

• checking quotes from the literature

I mark inaccuracies and consistencies for your attention.

This step happens after you have worked through the edited manuscript and is in preparation of producing a final manuscript ready for submission.

It includes:

• working in your corrections into the master document

• re-reading all reworked sections of the manuscript to ensure that no new mistakes have crept in

• finalising the manuscript for submission, if necessary with anonymisation