Choose an Editorial Service
Structural Editing
A structural or developmental edit occurs at the beginning of the editorial process and focuses on content, style, structure and meaning.
Structural edits look at “big picture” elements, including:
Structure and pacing
Plot and characterisation
Voice
World-building
In a structural edit, Nicola provides a detailed report of the manuscript that examines each element, outlines areas of concern and offers suggestions for improvement. Nicola also provides a marked-up manuscript with queries and feedback using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes.
The cost of a structural edit depends on the length of the manuscript.
To discuss a structural edit with Nicola, please get in touch.
Copyediting
Once a structural revision is complete, a copyedit follows. This edit focuses on accuracy, clarity and consistency.
Copyedits look at these elements on a line-by-line level:
Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Repetition
Pacing and flow
Continuity
In a copyedit, Nicola provides a marked-up manuscript with the edit, queries and feedback using Microsoft Word’s Track Changes. Nicola also provides a one-page style sheet (a personalised style guide that records spelling and punctuation decisions).
The cost of a copyedit depends on the length of the manuscript.
To discuss a copyedit with Nicola, please get in touch.
Proofreading
A proofread is the last stage of the editorial process and occurs after the book has been typeset. It is the final check of textual and visual elements.
Proofreads look at these elements for any final mistakes:
Spelling, punctuation and grammar
Repetition
Consistency
Formatting
In a proofread, Nicola provides a marked-up PDF with the edit, queries and feedback using Adobe Acrobat’s Comments tools. Nicola also provides an updated one-page style sheet (a personalised style guide that records spelling and punctuation decisions).
The cost of a proofread depends on the length of the book.
To discuss a proofread with Nicola, please get in touch.
Graphic Novel Editing
Graphic novels are written with a sophisticated interplay of text and art. Their editorial process can be complex, and requires expertise.
Nicola provides several graphic novel editorial services:
Structural editing, copyediting and proofreading
Project management
Art direction
Pitch feedback
In a graphic novel edit, Nicola provides a marked-up PDF with the edit, queries and feedback using Adobe Acrobat’s Comments tools.
Project management, art direction and pitch feedback is conveyed via email and/or Zoom video calls.
The cost of a graphic novel edit depends on the type of edit, the complexity of the project and the length of the material.
To discuss graphic novel editing with Nicola, please get in touch.
Picture Book Editing
Picture books rely on an interdependence of words and pictures.
Their editorial process can be nuanced, and requires skill.
Nicola provides several picture book editorial services:
Structural editing, copyediting and proofreading
Project management
Art direction
Pitch feedback
In a picture book edit, Nicola provides a marked-up manuscript/PDF with the edit, queries and feedback using either Microsoft Word’s Track Changes or Adobe Acrobat’s Comments tools. Project management, art direction and pitch feedback is conveyed via email and/or Zoom video calls.
The cost of a picture book edit depends on the type of edit.
To discuss picture book editing with Nicola, please get in touch.
Contact
Nicola offers editorial services to trade publishing clients as well as unpublished authors and illustrators.
To contact Nicola about any of their editorial services, please fill out the contact form. Outline your project, word count and the type of editing you require.
Please note that Nicola does not edit manuscripts or art created with the help of AI.