Copy Editing versus Developmental Editing
What is the difference between these two levels of editing? Early on in the book’s formation, developmental editing may be needed, whereas later on, once the structure is in place, copy editing will zoom in on the paragraph and sentence level. As a copy editor (websites, tenders, newsletters, and now books), I’m comfortable with suggesting wording to say more effectively what I believe the author wanted it to mean. I call this line editing and it is done best with Microsoft Word and Track Changes, which can be accepted or denied. The price for copy editing books, if at fixed rates, generally ranges from 3 cents to 4 cents per word (or $30 to $40 per 1,000 words). The 5th National Survey of Editors (2010) showed $71 an hour as average in Queensland for copy editing. My rates are slightly…
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