Services

Writing (including rewriting)

• Writing to the tone, style and reading level requested, based on original research and/or supplied materials. Also writing metadata for web pages

Copy editing

• Editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation and other mechanics of style, ensuring consistency throughout
  
• Writing or editing photo captions, credit lines and other non-body text, if needed
• Negotiating changes with author or supplying changes to the client to negotiate with the author. This applies to stylistic and substantive editing, too

Stylistic editing

• Clarifying meaning, getting rid of jargon and other non-mechanical line-by-line editing
• Correcting the reading level, if needed

Substantive (structural) editing

• Clarifying and possibly reorganizing a manuscript for content and structure

Developmental/project editing

• Co-ordinating and editing from proposal to final document, integrating input from authors, consultants and reviewers
• Budgeting, hiring, design supervision and project co-ordination could all be part of the job

Fact-checking

• Substantiating the accuracy of a document's facts by referring to original sources used by the author and/or other sources

Proofreading

• Reading proofs of the edited document
• Comparing formatted pages to mock-up, checking for correct page breaks, page numbers, titles and location of art
• Checking hyperlinks and formatting for web pages, and blueprints, colour keys and press proofs for print publications

Photo research

• Locating photos/artwork with appropriate resolution for web or print
• Could include negotiating fees with photographers or stock agencies, obtaining photo releases, and writing captions, credits and other relevant text

Definitions adapted from the Editors Canada’s Definitions of Editorial Skills.