Basic copy editing takes teamwork

Basic copy editing takes teamwork Only when writer and editor function as a team can copy editing be successful. A writer and editor need to work hand-in-hand to ensure the final document is as polished and professional as possible.



There are two basic steps to any literary effort. The first step is the writing itself, and in addition to the many wonderful ideas in her head, the writer must do some basic planning. Regardless of whether the finished product is a dissertation, a manuscript, or just a business letter or blog post, she has to have in mind how the completed product should read.



Just about every novelist ought to know the basics of language, spelling and punctuation. But let’s face it, most of us need a little help with grammar sometimes. How many who people who don’t edit for a living know the difference in between that and which? A wonderful resource for writers who want fast grammar tips would be the Grammar Girl (http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/)! For writing an academic paper or dissertation, websites that can provide help with various academic styles are http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ or http://www.mla.org/. A swift and simple guide to punctuation may be found at .



Working with these resources can help a writer get started with the simple editing of her dissertation, story, or company document. The writer uses her smarts, her imagination, her talent, and all of the fantastic resources she can discover on the web.



But ultimately, a writer--even the best--needs some basic editing help.



And that is where step two comes in. The writer has done her best and gotten her project nearly completed. Now it’s time to bring in an editor. One way to access professional editing that isn’t likely to break the bank would be to contact the expert editors at FirstEditing.com. FirstEditing editors have experience in almost everything, from lengthy book manuscripts to dissertations to articles, ad copy, blogs--you name it, they can edit it.



And that is when the teamwork starts. It is not enough to submit your work to the editor and say "I want this edited." Certainly, you'll get basic editing. But you would like much more. It’s your creation, your baby. You want to be sure it receives the greatest attention to detail from the editor.



Specialized editors like those at FirstEditing will listen to a client’s concerns and help to make sure that your completed, edited document is exactly what you want. Don’t hesitate to make your needs known. Editors love to know what a writers wants­--the more input, the better.



You have worked hard on your project. You’ve thought it out, written it up, checked grammar and punctuation websites. And you’ve made the decision to take it to the next level by having your work professionally edited.



So don’t let your hard work stop there. The editor is working for you. Let your editor know what you want, and make the move from standard editing to a true expert collaboration that will make you shine as the great author that you are.