ABOUT MY EDITING SERVICES

Below are some commonly asked questions about my approach to editing. Check out my answers, then fill out the form at the bottom of the page if you have more questions or want to book my services.

“What do you edit?”

These types of content:

  • articles

  • advertisements

  • blog posts

  • books

  • creative writing

  • course materials

  • emails

  • personal letters

  • press releases

  • product descriptions

  • resumes

  • social media posts

  • website copy

If you want me to edit something not on this list, reach out to me anyway. I’ll let you know if I’m a good fit. (Or, I’ll recommend another editor.)

“What editing services do you offer?”

Three: developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading. You can pick one or combine them.

I defined each service below. If, after reading this page, you’re not sure what you need, feel free to ask me—I can help determine which would most benefit your writing at this time.

Developmental editing

A big-picture edit. I’ll give you feedback about the overall structure of your writing, keeping your audience and goals in mind. Includes detailed written suggestions to delete, expand, or rearrange sections of your writing.

Copy editing

A sentence-level edit. I’ll correct grammar mistakes. I’ll also rearrange your words so they’re as clear, concise, and engaging as possible—without altering your voice. If needed, I can adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style, AP Style, or an in-house style guide.

Proofreading

A final edit. This is a light edit, best for writing that’s already been edited a couple of times. I’ll correct showstopping mistakes—like typos, factual errors, and formatting problems.

“How do you deliver your edits?”

In whichever way you prefer!

Typically, people send me their work by email in a Microsoft Word document. Then I mark up my suggested edits using Track Changes and comments and email that document back to them. (I also send a “clean” copy, with all changes accepted.)

But I’m comfortable using all kinds of tools to make edits and communicate with you and your team:

  • Microsoft Suite—Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams

  • iWork—Pages, Keynote, Numbers

  • Google Workspace—Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet

  • Slack

  • Zoom

  • Webex

  • Notion

  • Canva

  • Basecamp

  • Typeform

  • Trello

  • Quip

If there’s a tool not on that list, I either know it or I’ll gladly (and quickly) learn it.

“Do you use Grammarly or AI tools?”
I have experience editing and developing copy with Grammarly, ChatGPT, and Bard. But I do not use these unless you specifically ask me to. There are benefits and downsides to using these guys. We can talk more about AI before we start working together, if you’d like.

To schedule a time to talk to me about editing, please email me at stephspectoredits@gmail.com or fill out the form below.