… you need it to serve you the best that it possibly can.

That takes a good editor.

Here’s a sampling of what a trained, experienced copyeditor is watching for:

Typos and plain old spelling errors
Grammar errors
Punctuation (yes, where the commas are placed makes a difference)
Style (making sure the chosen style guide is followed exactly)
Clarity, readability, tone, and flow (does the piece make sense as a whole?)
Word usage (maybe the text uses discrete when discreet was intended)
Organization (is the order of presentation the best for the purpose?)
Does it hit the mark for the intended audience? What’s the UX likely to be?
Does it effectively communicate the intended message?
Is it consistent with the “house style” of your other materials? How about consistent voice?
Are quotations accurate? Sources correctly identified? Statistics up to date?
How about mixed metaphors?
Are keywords incorporated naturally?
Are links up to date and unbroken?
What’s the grade reading level of the piece? Is that appropriate for the audience?
And much more

If you’ve never worked with a copyeditor before, you might be wondering if I’m the right one for your project.

How about this: Send me three pages of your manuscript for a free-of-charge review. Just attach the pages to an email to jean@jeangilbertson.com. I’ll be honest and thorough. Then we’ll discuss whether we want to work together.

Here’s a quick summary of my background:

30+ book manuscripts edited, to date
Circle of Success member of American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI) [3 earned certificates below]
Owner of Jean Gilbertson, Writer
“Everyday Spirituality” blog posts at jeangilbertson.com (12 years)
Master’s degree in spirituality, School of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University
PR and Publications Manager for nonprofit think tank (13 years)
Vice President, Writer/Editor for Seattle-based PR and advertising firm (8 years)
High school English teacher (4 years)
Author of the novel Dancing on the Whisper of God

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