Substantive editing: The big picture
Do you have a draft document that requires some serious tightening, involving an in-depth edit of its content, structure and narrative, as well as a standard copy-editing service? Whether it be a research report, policy document, or a business plan, my substantive editing service also extends to fact checking and even writing new content.
Here are some pointers about more substantive editing. These are guidelines only, as this type of editing tends to be very tailored to individual projects and needs. Please feel free to contact me if you would like further detail or to discuss a particular project.
Do you have a draft document that requires some serious tightening, involving an in-depth edit of its content, structure and narrative, as well as a standard copy-editing service? Whether it be a research report, policy document, or a business plan, my substantive editing service also extends to fact checking and even writing new content.
Here are some pointers about more substantive editing. These are guidelines only, as this type of editing tends to be very tailored to individual projects and needs. Please feel free to contact me if you would like further detail or to discuss a particular project.
- The first stage in substantive editing involves considering the role and concept of the document, and addressing issues such as its structure and order of presentation, as well as its content.
- Additional information can be added, if a gap is identified. Information and references are fact-checked.
- When substantively editing a document, the aim is to improve its clarity, the concision of its message and the logical development of its key concepts and ideas. Repetition is addressed and in some cases, sections can be completely rewritten.
- This involves greater liaison with the writer than is usually necessary, in order to ensure the intended meaning is upheld. During this, I help the writer to clarify the document's goals and intended audience.
- In addition to all of this, the key concerns of copy-editing (such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and internal consistency) are also addressed. This is the second stage of the process for substantive editing, which is carried out once more substantive, structural changes have been made.
- All changes are tracked using Microsoft Word's Track Changes and Comments functions.
