Proofreading and editing nonfiction require a different knowledge base from editing fiction. Although we start by performing the same basic functions in terms of correcting errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar, and typos, instead of looking at characterization, dialogue, and plot development as we would with fiction, we focus on structure, organization, clarity, and references in nonfiction.
Like fiction editing, we at Book Magic look for repetitious words and recommend synonyms, ferret out inconsistencies and redundancies, and we identify any parts of the manuscript that may be unclear. This is particularly useful for someone with English as a second language because they may have difficulty finding appropriate words or expressing themselves clearly.
We pay special attention to memoirs, which provoke interesting and potentially complicated questions such as, “Does the story of my life really belong to me? Or does it also belong to other people to whom I allude? To what extent can I talk about what happened to me in my life, if it might hurt someone else or if they might sue me or never speak to me again?”
We also love working on academic papers or business manuals and have extensive experience copy-editing religious, self-help, and inspirational books. We examine quotes and confirm that writers can quote certain lines from someone else’s work or lyrics if they are not in the public domain.
Nonfiction requires an eminently professional approach, and we guarantee that here at Book Magic!
Copy editing is 1.5 cents per word.
