How Long Does Editing a Manuscript Take?

When determining the rate for a project, several factors are considered, including the level of editing required and the complexity of the project. Here's a guide to help understand the basic differences between light and heavy editing.

Proofreading:

  • Light Editing: A few errors, simple format, familiar content, clean copy, no style queries or complex elements such as equations, symbols, or foreign characters.

  • Heavy Editing: Many errors, complex format, technical or unfamiliar content, marked up copy, style checks required, and complex elements such as equations, symbols, or foreign characters.

Copy Editing:

  • Light Editing: Few errors, familiar content, no references or cross-references needed, no tables or figures.

  • Heavy Editing: Many errors, technical or unfamiliar content, inconsistent reference style, tables and figures present.

Kristin Stein