The goal of editing–in addition to correcting grammar and mechanical errors–is to ensure the text meets publishing standards, flows logically, engages the reader, and is a professional product. Additionally, BookLogix strives to keep your voice as intact as possible to make sure the book still “sounds” like you.
BookLogix edits according to the standards set by The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). The Chicago Manual of Style serves as a reference that provides rules and other recommendations on editorial style and publishing practices that are the most widely used and respected in the publishing industry.
All of BookLogix’s editorial levels include the following:
- Editor will assemble/organize front and back matter (including appendices, bibliography, etc.), as outlined in CMOS.
- Editor will look for any issues related to infringement, permissions, and general liabilities. In some cases, it may be recommended that the manuscript be reviewed by a legal professional. BookLogix is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice but can point out possible areas of concern.
- Discussion and interaction with your editor via e-mail exchanges, phone calls, and when possible, in-person meetings.
Levels of Editorial:
Line Editing
A line edit is recommended for clients whose books require attention in language use at the sentence and paragraph level. In a line edit, editors perform the following:
- Direct the client toward clarity with awkward phrases or sentences
- Review and adjust transitions
- Address word choice issues
- Resolve redundancies
- Point out and revise shifts in tense, point of view, etc.
- Correct all misspellings and punctuation errors
- Ensure consistency in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization
Please note that at no time during a line edit will your editor write new material for the manuscript. Rather, editors will point out areas that require further attention from the author, and provide suggestions on how to proceed. Fact-checking is not included in the Line Editing service.
Copyediting / Proofreading
A copyedit/proofread is recommended for clients whose books are relatively clean but require basic editing to ensure that the writing is free of typographical errors. In a copy edit/proofread, editors perform the following:
- Correct all misspellings and punctuation errors
- Ensure consistency in spelling, hyphenation, numerals, fonts, and capitalization
Please note that wording changes and fact-checking are not covered in a copyedit/proofread. Should you wish for an editor to remark on the wording or sentence construction/structure in your manuscript, consider a line edit. BookLogix also offers bibliography services should you wish for an editor to assist with citations.
Children’s Book Editing
This editing service is specifically tailored to children’s books. An editor will assess the appropriate category for your book (picture book, early reader, etc.) and target age range, then make editorial revisions and suggestions based on publishing standards. Editing will address tone, length, organization, and overall structure appropriate to the category of the book. Editor will make revisions and suggestions for word choice, pacing, and transitions that are appropriate for the target age group, as well as correcting spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, while making sure text meets standards for children’s book publishing according to The Chicago Manual of Style.
Other Editorial Services:
Bibliography
BookLogix can format and assemble bibliographic citations and endnotes for manuscripts with references to other works.
Indexing
A BookLogix editor will create an index for your book that gathers all the key terms and subjects, is alphabetically sorted, and provides cross-references to and from related terms. Please note that indexing is a complicated and therefore lengthy process.
Lexile Measure
BookLogix will submit the book to the Lexile® Framework for Reading for a Lexile Measure. A Lexile Measure is an internationally recognized measurement tool that measures text complexity and reading level for children’s and educational books.