Megan Stolz Editorial
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Services

How can I help?

Copy editing and proofreading

In a copy edit, I will:

  • Strengthen and clarify the writing so that the intended reader will easily understand and find value in the document

  • Look for opportunities to use plain language and especially inclusive language (one of the best resources I’ve found for inclusive language is the Conscious Style Guide)

  • Fix style issues as well as grammatical and mechanical mistakes, although my primary focus will be on the document overall

Copy editing may include basic formatting, to give it a consistent format for the final product or to prepare it for design.

In a proofread, I will go line by line checking for errors, typos, and inconsistencies that could distract the reader from the main message and to give the document a final polish. I will also ensure the document aligns with your preferred style(s).

If the document has been designed, I will also mark typographical errors and inconsistencies (such as single-word lines, awkward or multiple word breaks, and orphans and widows), including, if necessary, looking for formatting that didn’t carry over from the original draft.

While working in Microsoft Word, I use PerfectIt editing software at the end of a project to help catch style inconsistencies. For repeat clients, I can input a customized style sheet into PerfectIt to help ensure your preferred style is reflected across the entire document. I can also use Adobe PDF, and I have some experience with Google Docs.

For both copy editing and proofreading, fact checking will be limited to confirming spelling of proper nouns, although I can query claims that may need confirmation by the author.

Citations

If a document includes citations, I will ensure they follow your preferred style and that each citation is complete and correct. Citations and sources will not be fact checked for content.

Preparing a document for copy editing and proofreading

Before beginning a project, I will need:

  • Information about the project, including the word count and project timeline

  • Whether the project will be copy edited, proofread, or both, and the expected level of copy editing (heavy, light, etc.)

  • Any in-house style sheets and other style materials

Writing

I can also provide writing services for your publication, website, or event. Writing assignments can include:

  • profiles

  • impact articles

  • event/convention coverage

A few samples of my writing are below and on my LinkedIn page: