Academic Services
Copy-editing
Proofreading
Structural editing and rewriting
Indexing and glossary creation
Thesis editing
Bibliographical research
Literary research
Editorial tuition
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Copy-editing
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Report and summary writing
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Style creation
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs an editor?
Writers of books and articles, academics and researchers, staff of business and voluntary organisations, writers of English as a second language - almost anyone may at some time benefit from editing, proofreading or editorial advice. Even good writers may lack the time or skills to attend to every aspect of a text.
Why can't I just use my spellchecker and grammar checker?
These devices address only a fraction of the matters considered by a good editor. They have no awareness of intellectual logic, idiomatic usage or appropriate style conventions. Moreover, they are notoriously crude and unreliable even in their own terms. More sophisticated electronic editorial aids exist and in certain circumstances we use them, but there really is no substitute for the flexible intelligence of a skilled editor.
How do I know what level of editing my document needs?
This is where we come in. Just send us your document and we will advise you as to the level of change desirable, discussing with you carefully your needs and the basis for our recommendations.
What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Though often confused, the two are essentially different. Editing is a basic process which addresses spelling, grammar and expression, style, layout and textual consistency. Proofreading is a subsequent operation which attends to typographical and other errors in an already edited document, and normally involves checking proofs against a manuscript.
What formats can you handle? Can you edit handwritten documents?
Hard copy should preferably be typed (and double spaced if it is to be edited), though we can edit handwritten text if it is clearly legible. If working on-screen we prefer to receive files in Microsoft Word, though we can handle other standard file types such as WordPerfect. We may also be able to convert non-standard file types.
How much will it cost? Do you charge by the page or the hour?
We have an hourly rate which varies according to the service. When we receive your document to edit or proof we make an assessment of how many pages we can complete per hour and then offer a quotation based on that.
Will there be any other costs?
No, apart perhaps from telephone or postal charges. All costs will be agreed with you before we begin work and itemised in your bill.
Is there a minimum document length?
No. We edit everything, from the lengthiest report down to the briefest flyer or mailshot.
Telephone: 0191 384 9406 - Michael Ayton
Address: 9 Summerville, Durham DH1 4QH, UK
E-mail: michael.ayton@voro.fsnet.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 384 5170 - John Metson
Address: 7 Sidegate, Durham DH1 5SY, UK
E-mail: john.metson@dsl.pipex.com