Services: [ Proofreading ] [Line Editing ] [ Copyediting ] [ Content Editing ] [ Writing ] [ Abstracts ] [ Indexing ] [Page Layout ] [ General Rates ]
CRISP COPY SERVICES
JFS Consulting Crisp Copy services include writing, editing, proofreading, indexing, abstracting, and background research. We also offer industry-standard page layout and desk top publishing services to provide our clients with camera ready copy for commercial printing or electronic publication.
In initial conversations, we will discuss the level of service most appropriate for your project based on the condition of the text, your budget, and schedule. Because each project is unique, costs will vary from project to project. However, general guidelines apply.
Proofreading
Proofreading is sometimes mistaken for copy editing, but in reality it's a separate process. Proofing is usually done after the page proofs have been prepared by the designer. It requires checking basic punctuation, grammar and spelling; consistency and accuracy in titles, headings, page numbering, page breaks, word breaks, end-of-line breaks, and cross references; and appropriate placement, numbering and titles of tables, graphics, and other artwork.
Proofreading identifies and corrects typos, punctuation errors, misspellings, and formatting inconsistencies. Proofreading of the final proof copy ensures that all edits have been accurately caught and may also include comparing two documents for uniformity.
Line Editing
The document is sound. It requires proofreading, but with more extensive work on grammar and some “plain language” reworking.
Line editing includes all the elements of proofreading, but with greater reworking of some areas to correct grammatical construction, adjust sentence length, and improve word choice.
It is often required when manuscripts are developed by authors for whom English is not their native language. They often have a good command of English language grammar but prepositions, idiomatic expressions, or an overuse of cliche phrases may require line editing.
Copyediting
The document needs re-organization or rewriting, extensive “plain language” work, or both.
A copyedit includes proofreading as well as corrections for poor grammar, word usage, capitalization, word breaks, tone and format. Redundancies are noted or eliminated; wordy passages are flagged or tightened; and any awkward, vague, or confusing sentences are identified or recast. Jargon, idioms, and clichés are noted and reworked to improve word choice.
Content Editing
The document is in rough draft.
Content editing includes copyediting and adds solutions for problems of overall clarity, accuracy, and information flow. With a content edit you will typically see segments rewritten, word choices refined, and sections reorganized. To improve readability, you may also see headings added or renamed.
Writing
Writing services provide a new draft with fresh content and/or recast material. Writing and research services often go hand in hand. Articles, web site copy, marketing/advertising copy, small business company collaterals, research reports, and more, are examples of the writing JFS Consulting provides for clients. Ask for samples if this service interests you.
Abstracts
A good abstract captures the essence of a manuscript in very brief format. Abstracts and Executive Summaries/Briefs are generally produced when the document moves to final draft. They are “big picture” summaries of the entire work in a few, well chosen sentences.
A good professionally developed abstract is the key to having your work noticed, accessed, and cited by colleagues and research peers. It provides in capsule form the essence of your research or article and encourages reading of the full text for crucial details.
Indexing
Indexing provides an alphabetical list by topic and page to enable the reader to pinpoint topics of interest in the manuscript. But a high quality index is not just an alphabetical list of key words, it is a well developed map to the key concepts of a book or manuscript that engages the interest of book purchase browsers and encourages them to purchase and read your book.
Professional indexing is a a highly skilled talent/art. Contact us for the list of books we've indexed in 2007.
Page layout
An industry standard page layout can be designed to improve the readability of your manuscript. With an appropriately applied style sheet and good page layout, a text-heavy manuscript can evolve into a clear, vibrant and easily read document. Layout elements include page numbers, margins, headings, spacing, indents, quotes, typefaces, headers/footers, references, and citations.
General Rates
Our work is exceptional but our rates are fair and reasonable. We consistently meet our client's requirements - on time, on budget, and with great attention to all those little details that make a good project an outstanding one.
During initial contact we will discuss with you what your goals are for your project and the kind of service you are seeking from JFS Consulting. We will then assess your manuscript or project materials and develop a short project proposal and contract for your project.
Different types of services are priced accordingly, based on the amount of expected time required to provide our services, the complexity of the project material to be serviced and the time frame required for completion. Our indexing rates are generally determined per the page to be indexed. Abstracts are generally determined by the complexity of the article or chapter to be abstracted.
We have been providing professional Crisp Copy services to a wide range of clients in both technical and non- technical markets since 1984. Contact us to discuss your project - we are here to help you get your ideas noticed.
Contact Us
Crisp Copy Services
JFS Consulting
Fairfield Iowa
(c) 1998-2006 Jim Salmons and Timlynn Babitsky