Editing is probably the single most important factor in any professionally-published book. Top editors can work with the author to take a good book and turn it into an award-winning bestseller.

The WinePress Publishing Group has an established pool of professional editors, many of whom are also experienced authors and well-known in the Christian publishing industry. One thing that sets us apart is that we don't just offer basic editing services, but the full range of professional options.

In order to maintain an "across the board" standard, a page is defined as 250 words. See our easy, step-by-step sign up form for full price details according to your manuscript size and type.

Proofreading
Editor reads all text, searching for inappropriate end-of-line word breaks, typos and misspelled words, numerical and alphabetical sequences, vertical and horizontal alignment of setoff text, and unforeseen formatting issues. All front matter is checked for accuracy. Proofreading is done after typesetting; therefore, editors print off the manuscript and make changes on the hard copy. The proofreader then lists questions or queries for the author on a separate query sheet.

Copyediting
Editor performs a one-time check and correction for errors in grammar, spelling, tenses, punctuation, abbreviations, capitalization, format, and style. Often our editors will make minor suggestions for text flow or rewriting that the author should do, not the editor (or the editor can suggest a substantive edit if needed). This is done in a query process that enables the author to revise based on the editor's comments. Consistency is the major goal. Editor checks table of contents for accuracy and reminds authors to check spelling of names and recheck quotes and sources for accuracy. If there are suspicious errors in scripture quotes, the author is queried and asked to correct it. Editors are free to fact check Bible quotes, numbers, and versions used, but this is not required in a copyedit. If they see any inconsistencies, they can make minor changes (i.e. typos), but any extensive corrections in scriptures or quotes should be done by author, per query. Editor removes redundancies and makes sure material is logical and understandable. The editor makes sure that all statistics are sourced and queries the author about all material that needs permission-poems, songs, etc.

A copy edit also requires a subsequent proofread.

Substantive Editing
Editor copyedits the entire manuscript as described above, adjusts awkward sentences, completes sentence fragments, keeps a list of items that may require permission, reorganizes paragraphs and chapters for logical text flow, changes passive voice to active voice, checks all sequences, and performs minor rewriting. The main difference between a nonfiction substantive edit and a copyedit is that the editor makes minor changes instead of just querying the author. All major changes are run by the author before making corrections. In fiction, editors look for character and plot elements, descriptions, and accuracy of facts. They do not make changes but query the author.

A substantive edit also requires a subsequent copy edit and proofread.

Rewriting
Editor completely rewrites existing text, notes, and/or transcriptions. No new material is developed or researched. All material must be provided by the author before the rewrite begins. The manuscript is then required to receive an additional copyedit and proofread.

A rewrite may also require a subsequent copy edit and proofread.

Ghostwriting
Writer uses text, notes, outline, and/or transcriptions for guidance. New material is researched and developed or obtained from author as needed. The editor writes the manuscript, working closely with the author. Author pays for and retains all rights.

Children's Book Editing
Includes critique, copy edit and proofread by best selling children's picture book author/editor. Special prices apply to children's books and picture books. Substantive edits and rewrites are also available.

Data Entry
Printed or typed text (on paper) is entered into a computer document. No editing is done at this stage.

Transcribing Service
Recorded messages submitted on cassette are transcribed to a computer document. No editing provided at this stage.

Indexing
Index creation is an extensive and costly process. In order to offer this service to our print-on-demand authors without charging rates in excess of $700, the following process is our only option for enabling you to have an index in your book.

After your corrections have been done to the final set of page proofs, Pleasant Word can provide you with a paper or an electronic galley of your book to be used as a reference for creating the index. You can use the search function in the pdf file to find the page numbers containing the word in your index. Create the Index to include word and associated page numbers as a separate text file and submit it on a disk or email an electronic file. The index is placed at the end of the book and we will send you a confirmation galley.

Miscellaneous Services
Additional editorial services are available at a standard hourly rate.

*Where appropriate, one-on-one editor consultations are available at an hourly rate.