Copyediting Service
Correct. Clarify. Prepare for Publication.
Your manuscript is nearly complete—but before you share it with agents, publishers, or readers, it needs one final polish. The Copyediting Service at Prescott Books provides a careful, line-by-line review to correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style inconsistencies—ensuring your work is clear, professional, and ready for the next stage.
This is the essential step between creative revision and proofreading.
What Is Copyediting?
Copyediting focuses on technical accuracy and consistency across your manuscript. While it doesn’t involve rewriting or restructuring, it plays a critical role in improving the reader’s experience by catching errors and inconsistencies you may have missed.
Our copyeditors review your manuscript for:
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Sentence clarity and conciseness
- Consistent spelling and usage (US vs. UK English, hyphenation, etc.)
- Style guide alignment (Chicago Manual of Style or your preference)
- Continuity in tone, names, timelines, and formatting
It’s the bridge between your final draft and a professionally prepared manuscript.
How Is This Different from Line Editing?
Line editing and copyediting are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes:
Line Editing focuses on how your story is told. It improves style, flow, tone, and expression. A line editor may suggest rephrasing sentences for better rhythm or clarity and help strengthen your voice on the page.
Copyediting, on the other hand, focuses on correctness and consistency. It ensures your grammar is sound, your style is uniform, and your manuscript is free from technical errors.
Think of line editing as smoothing the voice, while copyediting checks the mechanics that hold the voice together.
Why Choose Prescott Books?
Experienced, Detail-Oriented Editors
Our team has worked across genres and formats. We’re thorough, methodical, and committed to accuracy.
Respect for Your Style
We maintain your voice and tone while correcting technical issues. Every change is made with care and explained when needed.
Flexible to Your Needs
Whether your manuscript is literary, commercial, nonfiction, or memoir, we adapt our approach to suit your content and publishing goals.
Who Should Use This Service?
- Authors preparing to publish or submit a final draft
- Writers who have already completed structural and stylistic editing
- Anyone looking for a professional polish before proofreading
- Self-publishing authors who want to ensure high editorial standards
What You’ll Receive
- A clean manuscript with corrections made using track changes
- Editorial comments when clarification or choice is needed
- A copyediting summary noting recurring issues and editorial decisions
- Optional follow-up to address any remaining questions
Turnaround Time
Copyedits are generally returned within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the length and complexity of the manuscript. Expedited timelines are available upon request.
Make Your Manuscript Submission-Ready
Your words matter—let’s make sure they’re presented with precision and care. Submit your manuscript today for professional copyediting support.