FAQs | Harmony of Words

Editing questions answered

What does an editor do?

An editor collaborates with a writer to enhance their manuscript making it publication-ready.

Substantive Editing

Early stage of manuscript development
Focuses on overall impact on the reader made via the structure and organization.
Developmental editors focus on big picture issues with how the argument (or story) unfolds, ensuring the core messaging is clear and convincing. They strengthen the organization of content by restructuring chapters or sections and crafting necessary meaningful transitions.
Line editors, with some overlap with copyeditors, pay close attention to tone and clarity on paragraph and sentence level, improving voice and pacing consistency.
Line editors correct basic and obvious grammar errors, although their focus is on word choices, writer's tone, abstraction of ideas, and stylistic devices used.

Mechanical Editing

Final stage before publication
Focuses on making the text error-free and visually appealing in publication format.
Copyeditors focus on spelling, punctuation, capitalization, hyphenation, grammar, word usage, and conformance to a specific publication style (e.g. Chicago Manual of Style). They create necessary style-guide to ensure consistency.
Proofreaders focus on visual aspects such as fonts, formatting, heading styles, typeface, and layout of visual elements such as images and figures.
Other services provided by editors include glossary creation, indexing, captioning, cross-referencing of footnotes etc.

There are primarily two types of editing:

For EFA's description of editor and other publishing related roles, refer to EFA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what editing help I need?

If you don't know where to start, contact me with as much information as you can. We will start with a complementary 30 minute consultation where I understand your audience, goals, and timelines. Depending on the type of the manuscript, we can walk through your abstract, brief, vision statement, or Table of Contents. I will then propose next steps and how we can work together.

Do you check for grammar, punctuation, capitalization etc.?

I primarily work with writers in the early stages of their projects and need a substantive edit, not just mechanical edit. During line editing, I address obvious grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues - especially when they hinder clarity. I do not work on manuscripts where copyediting, conforming to a style manual, or proofreading is the only service required.

What is the difference between developmental editing and book coaching?

Many developmental editors are also book coaches (and vice versa). Quite simply, a developmental editor's job starts after a book coach's is complete. Book coaches primarily work with the authors during the manuscript is being written. They routinely meet with the writers, help them develop ideas and themes for the book, brainstorm alternatives for big picture elements, and provide support and motivation ensuring time management, steady progress, and accountability. A developmental editor primarily works on a completed manuscript, after the writer (with or without help from a book coach) is satisfied with the content and is ready to received feedback on entirety of the manuscript.

Do you offer all these services together or separately?
Ideally each manuscript will go through evaluation, developmental, and line editing in that order. Developmental editing service includes manuscript evaluation. I work with you on any or all of these based on the state of your manuscript and the type of feedback you are looking for. Line editing will enhance the style, tone, flow, and pace, only after the content and organization is finalized.

Do you offer sample edits?

I offer sample edits if you prefer only line editing and no substantive feedback on the overall presentation. Developmental editing can't be demonstrated by review of a sample. A short sample will not be representative of the central idea or argument development. Instead, I offer a free consultation where I focus on understanding your audience, goals, and state of the manuscript before proposing how we can collaborate.

How long does it take and how much do you charge?

Every manuscript is different. I follow the EFA rate chart as a starting point at $0.04 /word depending on the type of the manuscript — subject matter, length, current state, publication goals — keeping in mind that number of words is not an indication of number of opportunities to enhance the content. After I read the manuscript, I will offer you the timeline and total cost estimate for the project.

Why Harmony of Words?

Harmony means a pleasing arrangement of parts that work together.

Harmony of words is the vessel for your ideas. I help you fine-tune your harmony so your readers are engaged and inspired.

The most rewarding part of my professional life has been enabling my colleagues to do their best work. I did it largely by enhancing their written content for clarity and impact: motivating people and organizations to spring into action and achieve great results. That's the power of ideas presented in harmony with well-structured argument.

I enjoyed uncovering complexities and serving as a bridge between technical and creative talent. My technical expertise — engineering, voice technology, product design — has equipped me with a unique skillset to partner with STEM, academic, and business writers. From this experience, I bring a keen sense of logical argument development to the editorial services I provide.