What is copy editing?
Copy editing is like proofreading, but it’s carried out before the mansucript or document is laid out ready to print. As a copy editor, I read over every word and check for spelling, grammar and punctuation issues. I also look for anything else which doesn’t sit right with me. However …
Copy editing is not designed to pick up flaws in the narrative or to identify factual errors. Issues such as these should have been picked up during development edits. However, as a copy editor who has not seen the manuscript before, I may pick up things that have been previously missed as I will be looking at the document with fresh eyes.
What do I copy edit?
- Annual reports
- Biographies (and autobiographies)
- Job ads (you don’t want to put your best candidates off by having a badly written ad!)
- Marketing materials (digital and physical)
- Non-fiction
- Novels
- Position descriptions
- Websites
What don’t I copy edit?
- Academic writing
- Theses
What formats do I copy edit in?
- Word using Track Changes
- PDF using mark-up/comments
- Printed, hand-marked, scanned and emailed back (a surcharge may apply for printing)
- Screenshot web pages with notes added if only minor alterations needed
Why choose me?
After obtaining my Diploma of Professional Writing (Professional Editing & Proofreading) from the Australian College of Journalism in 2005, I began freelancing as a proofreader, quickly picking up work from business people and several organisations.
In 2008 I sat the Accreditation exam for IPEd (The Institute of Professional Editors Limited) and became one of the first 108 Accredited editors in the country. I held Professional membership of IPEd for 10 years until 2018, when I let it lapse due to my increased focus on building IndieMosh, the self-publishing service I developed for Australian authors.
I am currently an Associate member of IPEd and still enjoy copy editing and proofreading.
What are my rates?
As at July 2025 my copy editing rates are generally $0.07 (or 7 cents) per word, or $80 per hour ex-GST. (I am not currently registered for GST.) I will usually quote on a per-word basis and then time the job.
If the total time taken times my hourly rate is less than 90% of the cost when using the word count times the per word rate, then you will only be charged the actual time taken.
Please note that I will ask to view the document prior to quoting. If the quote is accepted, I will require a 50% deposit prior to commencement, with the balance payable on completion.
Find out more
If you have a project you’d like an obligation-free quote on, or if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via my Contact page.