Services

When you're looking for a technical writer who can deliver

Training materials
Work instructions
Workbooks
Video scripts
Instructor guides
Marketing materials
Or other documents

...That are ready for use by your industrial plant, service organization, community college, or training provider—

When you need an experienced, knowledgeable editor for your

Books
Articles
Manuals
Or technical papers—

When you want clear, engaging, to-the-point marketing copy for your business—

When you have a deadline to meet—

Call 336-375-4247 (Greensboro, NC)
or e-mail: spbogue@words2work.net

I can provide:

Manuscript editing, from light copyedits to full developmental editing*
Book and manual revisions, updates, and rewrites
Researching, interviewing, and data gathering
Technical writing
Quizzes and assessments
Marketing and advertising copy
PowerPoint presentations
In-plant or on-site photography

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*What’s the difference between these types of editing?

In substantive editing, the editor’s task goes beyond spelling, grammar, punctuation, and making the writing correct and consistent. The editor must consider the document's concept and intended audience, which means making decisions on organization, design, language, and style.

Substantive editing requires thought, judgment, and a thorough understanding of the work; and yes, it takes more time. Substantive editing is always carried out in collaboration with the author.

Copyediting is largely (but not entirely) rules-based. The editor is primarily focused on grammar, spelling, punctuation, errors and omissions, and the internal consistency of facts and presentation. Although there is no requirement to do so, decisions are often based on one or more agreed-upon style guides; for example, APA, CMS, AP, or a publisher’s in-house style.

Copy- and substantive editing shouldn’t be thought of as strictly-defined, separate activities. Documents submitted for copyediting can often benefit from the type of analysis-based decisions associated with a substantive edit, and it’s up to the client to decide whether or not to invest the additional time required.

But what about developmental editing? This intensely collaborative effort may start even before the writing begins, and may include discussions of the project’s organization, features, length, purpose, and intended audience. It can include rewriting and restructuring, identifying gaps or inconsistencies in the content, the acquisition of illustrations and diagrams, and the selection and insertion of headings, chapter breaks, and other such features.

It’s usually only necessary for longer works. After the manuscript has been developed, it’s time for a substantive edit, followed by copyediting and finally, proofreading.