The writing, editing and proofing process

Professional writing and editing ranges from a simple proofread to reworking complex content into plain language. Good editing requires training, experience and flair, and in this discipline – as in many things – you get what you pay for. To give you an idea of how I can help, below are some of the tasks associated with deeper levels of editorial service.

Regardless of the depth of service provided, Writefish provides expert attention to detail and value for money. Many online editing services rely on automation, which gives the appearance of substance but has no depth. With Writefish, you get a real editor improving your document line by line.

Adam has an extensive folio that spans digital agency through to academia. He manages to be both thoroughly professional and genuinely lovely to work with.

Proofreading and light copyediting

Checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, lists, consistency and heading hierarchy, and some simple formatting. Some comments provided about the content and the writing flow.

Editing

All the proofreading tasks plus a look at verbs and phrasing, clarity, expression and document structure. More in-depth comments and feedback about the content.

Substantive editing

All of the above tasks plus consideration of citations and references (which are time-consuming) as well as detailed feedback about how your work might be improved or restructured.

Editing and rewriting

All of the above tasks plus guidance on where and how to rewrite some sentences or passages. I might rewrite some content using tracked changes that you can then accept or reject.

Plain language editing

Plain language means using words that your target audience will understand, even to convey complex ideas. It includes strategies like clarifying expressions, using a personal tone (like ‘we’ and ‘you’) if that suits, avoiding jargon and choosing simple phrases. It can be time-consuming to apply, even while it makes your content sound more accessible and inclusive.

Business and technical writing

All of the above tasks plus, if necessary, a full rewrite of your material (e.g. editing documents into plain English). I can also write new and engaging content (e.g. advertising material, websites, headlines, banners, procedures, user guides, instruction manuals).

Desktop publishing

For any of the above stages, I can also improve your document’s presentation – either by making it look great in Microsoft Word or by using a professional publishing program (Adobe InDesign).

Accessible documents

Accessible documents are mandatory for government agencies, and inclusive and accessible documents benefit readers and the community. I can help you create compliant files or convert existing Word and PDF documents into accessible formats.

Rates and costs

See the rates page for a discussion of project rates, costs and estimates.