Are you a time-poor academic, health professional, researcher or student who does a lot of writing?
Will your readers truly get what you are telling them?
I can help to convey your messages in a succinct and clear way.

All levels of editing - proofreading, copyediting, substantive editing - and writing (or rewriting) are offered. See below for an explanation of the different editing levels. Basic formatting is also offered; such as ensuring consistency in spacing, heading levels and other standard styles.

The stage of a written work’s development will determine the type or level of editing that it requires. For example, a document written by multiple authors might need an overhaul of its language style and structure to ensure consistency, clarity and ease of readability [substantive edit; sometimes called structural edit]. It will then need a pair of eyes to go through and detect any errors in grammar and punctuation, as well as amend areas of repetition or inconsistency [copyedit]. A final check will pick up formatting anomalies such as incorrect heading levels and any other layout issues [proofread]. More detail about each of these editing levels is outlined below.

For best effect, only one level of edit is carried out on a document or body of text at a time. Hence, if a substantive edit is undertaken, it will consequently require a copyedit. However, clients might send a document for a substantive edit only, for just a copyedit, or for a final proofread before publication or circulation to an audience.

Substantive edit

A substantive (or structural) edit involves assessing the structure, language, content and style of text, with the end reader in mind. Changes made throughout the process of this level of editing are aimed at improving clarity and readability of the writing. It is useful in applying consistency of styles and language used; for example, when multiple authors have contributed to writing a report.

Copyedit

A copyedit aims to achieve accuracy, consistency and completeness in a document or piece of writing. It involves a thorough check for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as detection of inconsistencies in style (eg headings, specific terms, lists etc.). Track changes and comments are used to alert the client to editorial suggestions, along with a list of editing notes.
A stylesheet is also often developed while copyediting; this can be provided with the finished draft.

Copyediting is the most requested service of Eyeline Editing and makes up the bulk of its work.

Proofread

A proofread - or verification edit - is the final check of a document before publication or circulation to its readers. It ensures all elements of the document are included and in the correct order, that all errors detected earlier have been amended and that its format and layout are free of any embarrassing bloopers.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All documents sent to Eyeline Editing are handled with a high degree of confidentiality. The content will not be discussed with anyone; if another party related to the editorial or writing process is to be consulted on any matter while working on the document, this will only be done with the client’s full understanding and permission.  

Your document will receive Merran's full, undivided attention as one job at a time only is worked on until its completion; this ensures a thorough editing process is carried out without distraction.