Proofreading. Checking proofs of formatted, edited material for adherence to design and for minor, mechanical errors in copy (such as spelling mistakes or small deviations from style sheet). Does not include the following unless specified:
- incorporating or exercising discretion on author’s alterations
- checking accuracy of running heads and folios
- inserting or checking page numbers to contents and page references
- marking colour breaks
- flagging or checking location of art
- copyfitting
Rewriting. Creating a new manuscript or parts of a manuscript on the basis of content and research supplied by Author. Does not include research or the writing of original material unless specified.
Substantive/Structural Editing. Clarifying or reorganizing a manuscript for content and structure.
Stylistic Editing. Clarifying meaning, eliminating jargon, polishing language, and other non-mechanical line-by-line editing. Does not include checking or correcting reading level, creating or recasting tables or figures.
Copy Editing. Editing for grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, and other mechanics of style; checking for consistency of mechanics and for internal consistency of facts; inserting head levels and approximate placement of art; editing tables, figures, and lists; notifying designer of any unusual production requirements. Does not include the following unless specified:
- Converting to Canadian spelling or alternate measurement system
- providing or editing art manuscript, index, or system of citations
- writing or editing preface, foreword, captions or credit lines
- obtaining or listing permissions needed
- providing front matter, cover copy or CIP data
- negotiating changes with author
- seeking approval from client’s representatives
Indexing. Producing a key to the contents of a work. Includes reading and analyzing the work; choosing subjects, concepts, and other elements that together form a systematic guide to the information contained in the work; arranging these elements into entries consisting of headings and subheadings and their locators (for example, page numbers); and arranging the entries alphabetically or in some other searchable order.
Desktop Publishing. Creating a formatted document from an electronic manuscript according to a Designer’s instructions or a style template. Includes sizing and placement of art and setting front and back matter. Does not include establishing design, creating cover art or formatting an index.
Kimberly Ross 