Copyediting

Professional copyediting with proper grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation can transform your writing so that your ideas shine through. I’ve worked professionally as an editor for organizations including Time Out Chicago, American Medical Association, and National Restaurant Association; my most recent projects have been self-published books for artists and social impact organizations. What all my clients have in common is that they work with me so their words can become powerful content. I’ve worked with all the major style guides, i.e., AP Style, Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Medical Association’s style book. Some past clients are below.

Explanation of my editing services is below. To find out more, go to Contact Me or send an email to gretchen.kalwinski@gmail.com. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine what kind of support and time you need. Thanks for your interest!

Fiction

I've studied with esteemed writers including Diane Di Prima, Stuart Dybek, and Goldie Goldbloom. The rigorous writing critiques I did in my M.F.A. program formed the basis for developmental and copyediting skills. As a trained storyteller, I can help authors tease out relevant threads, themes, and characters—making their narratives story stronger and more readable. I can also help coachees get started, get out of a slump, or edit a project that's well underway.  

Nonfiction

I'm an experienced editor and can help you take anything from manuscripts to cover letters to the next level. My services will help ensure that your copy is effective and I'm careful to preserve my client's voice while helping them develop stronger ideas and effectively communicate with readers.

Editing Types

1. Proofreading (aka “verification editing”)

   Proofreading is the final check before publication. This can include correcting errors around capitalization, punctuation, spelling and formatting inconsistencies. This type of edit is done to ensure that a text is in its final stage and the editor should review to correct errors before publication.

   
   Includes:
   • Correcting capitalization and punctuation.
   • Correcting spelling errors/typos
   • Calling out formatting inconsistencies 

   Does not include:
   • Language rewrites
   • Adjusting flow
   • Fixing structural/content issues
   • Style guide adherence 
   • Copyediting, (aka “line editing”)

2. Copyediting

   Copyediting focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency, applying a professional polish to a document and ensuring precision and clarity in the text. It focuses on the style and structure of the text on a sentence level, and aligns the content with publishing standards, eliminating errors that may distract or confuse readers. The editor reviews the manuscript line by line, looking for ways to improve the writing by adjusting the phrasing, sentence structure, and tone. They will pay close attention to the author’s voice and make suggestions to enhance it, while also ensuring the text is engaging, easy to read, and adheres to the appropriate style guide.

    

   Includes:

   • Correcting capitalization and punctuation

   • Correcting spelling errors/typos

   • Fixing style issues, such as numerical treatments

   • Reviewing sentence structure; making recommendations around word choice and language usage

   • Correcting cohesion and organization

   • Reviewing/correcting grammar

   • Ensuring consistency

   • Style guide adherence (AP, Chicago, etc)

    

   Does not include:

   • Adjusting flow

   • Fixing larger structural/content issues

   • Significant rewriting
   

3. Substantive editing (aka structural, developmental, or content editing)

   Substantive editing considers a work’s organization and presentation. It involves an editor providing detailed feedback on “big picture” issues, including an assessment of the overall structure and coherence of the document. This may mean rearranging sections, removing or suggesting added content. The goal is to ensure that the work is engaging, compelling, and makes sense as a whole. This type of editing aims to ensure that the structure, content, language, style and presentation of the document are suitable for its intended purpose and readership.

   Includes:

   • Adjusting flow

   • Fixing larger structural/content issues

   • Assessing overall structure and coherence

   • Rewriting entire sections

    

   Does not include:

   • Correcting capitalization and punctuation

   • Correcting spelling errors/typos

   • Checking that a document is ready to be published

   
   NOTE: The terms “developmental editor,” “substantive editor,” “copyeditor,” and “content editor” overlap and are sometimes used interchangeably for editors who identify and/or implement different large-scale strategies for improving a text.