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Copy Editing + Substantive Editing

There can be several different levels involved in editing a written work: copy editing, stylistic editing, and more in-depth substantive editing. Whichever level or levels is required, we guarantee we will work carefully and accurately. Your confidentiality is guaranteed. 

In all of our editing, we read for bias and inaccuracies, and we will alert you to any materials that may be libellous (offensive to an individual) or that require copyright permission to reprint (quotations, poems, song lyrics).  

Copy editing

When we copy edit your work, we correct

  •  faulty grammar

  •  incorrect punctuation

  •  misspelled words

  •  consistency in style, use of numbers 

 We also 

  •  suggest how to replace misused words and phrases
  •  check that headings/subheadings are well placed
  •  edit tables, figures, and lists
  •  edit photo captions if requested to do so
  •  edit notes, references, and bibliographies (our editors are well versed in MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles) 

In addition, we create a Style Sheet that outlines the rules of punctuation, how numbers are used, what is capitalized and what is not, and how words are spelled, depending on the choice of Canadian or American usage. We identify the specialized words you use so that they are used consistently. A Style Sheet ensures consistency throughout the document.

Copy editing can move quickly if your writing is clear and sharp. This is called a “light copy edit.” If your work requires more detailed copy editing, it would be a “heavy copy edit” and would take a bit longer.

Stylistic editing

A stylistic edit will help clarify your meaning, eliminate jargon, correct faulty syntax, and give your writing an overall polish. This is often done in tandem with copy editing.

Proofreading Services

We proofread all materials that are ready for publication. A final read-through of a completed document is a great way to catch any left-behind errors. We can proof Word documents, Google Docs, PDFs, and hard copy materials.

What we do

When we proofread, we catch

  • typographical errors
  • spelling errors
  • misplaced punctuation
  • missing text (dropped lines)
  • consistency in style and formatting

We also

  • check heads and subheads for consistency in style
  • check table of contents and chapter openings
  • check running heads and footers
  • check pagination
  • flag faulty paragraph breaks, widows, and orphans
  • flag stacks, rivers, and knots
  • proof captions and check numbering and consistency in style

We can proofread against an already-prepared Style Sheet, or if needed, we can create one for you. A Style Sheet ensures consistency throughout the document. 

In addition, we read for bias and inaccuracies, and we will alert you to any materials that may be libellous (offensive to an individual) or that require copyright permission to reprint (quotations, poems, song lyrics). 

If you require “light copy editing” along with proofreading, we can do both as long as we know ahead of time.

Page Layout + Design Services

Need to make sure your voice gets heard? Whether you're a company or an individual author, we can help you create the simple document designs you need to make sure your words stand out. We will work with you to ensure the layout and design of your text fits your needs, integrating both design and a practical, approachable feel—with an editor's eye.

TEC’s PL&D Process

As editors and designers, we see how the text looks on the page and how it reads in print. We look at how the language and the graphic elements function together. This is our unique approach. We increase the power of your text by ensuring it reads as great as it looks.

If you have a journal, a resource guide, a catalogue, an article, an annual report, or a series of promotional materials that you want to stand out from the crowd, we can help. We take great pride in the execution of any project, paying attention to every design detail and every editing detail, whether it's a clean and simple form, a thoughtful layout for an article, or a functional design for a resource guide.

Getting Started

We would love to hear from you about your project. Just let us know the following details:

  • The page count of your document (double-spaced)
  • The number of images
  • The end-use of the document
  • Any other details you feel are important

Once we have the details and the Word document, we flow the text into InDesign and create a mock-up for you to view. You can provide us with feedback on the design, and we will incorporate your changes. You will receive a final version for your review, and if there are no other changes to be made, your document is done. We will work closely with you through each stage of production to ensure you are happy with the finished product—a practical and functionally designed document that allows your text to shine.

Indexing

There are few things as frustrating as an index that doesn’t help you find what you’re looking for. By contrast, an effective index will prove invaluable to a reader’s experience.  

A good index is so much more than just a listing of words; it requires careful thought and meticulous work. To be its best, an index should contain a clear distillation of the book’s themes, consider the reader’s requirements, be intuitively organized, and have appropriate cross-references. 

What we do

When we index a work, we use professional indexing software to set entries alphabetically, establish subcategories, and capture page numbers and ranges. As we read through the manuscript, we build these entries and subcategories to best capture the discussion and identify key entry points (or locators) for the reader. We index tables, photos, and other elements throughout the book.

Once the index is built, we proofread it to ensure it is clean and readable. Then we send a copy to you for your review.  

Our indexers work diligently on each indexing project. We do ask for as much lead time as possible when booking an indexing project with us. This way, the indexer reserves adequate time to focus on the indexing and only on the indexing. Most publishers allow two weeks for an index, so the sooner you can book and indexer, the better.