Line editing

• Suggest improvements to overall structure

• Rearrange paragraphs or larger manuscript sections

• Improve clarity and flow

• Eliminate redundancy, tighten language

• Ensure consistent tone appropriate for intended audience

Copyediting

• Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage

• Ensure the manuscript conforms to the relevant style guide (Chicago Manual of Style, AP, or a style guide specific to a particular journal or company)

• Ensure consistency and appropriate formatting of citations

• Check cross references

• Identify inaccurate word choices

• Indexing

Proofreading

For manuscript proofs (PDFs, EPUB and MOBI files, printed galleys):

• Correct typos, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

• Check running heads

• Check page numbering

• Check for widows, orphans, ladders, and bad line breaks

• Check that headers are the appropriate level

• Check for loose or tight lines