The Antiochian, a 48-page tabloid-size newsletter. Packed with copy and destined for an especially literate audience, the newsletter is one of many By Design projects in which top-notch copyediting services accompany excellent design work.
Above: The Antiochian, a 48-page tabloid-size newsletter. Packed with copy and destined for an especially literate audience, the newsletter is one of many By Design projects in which top-notch copyediting services accompany excellent design work.

Graphic Design and Your Copy: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Copyediting is closely aligned with graphic design: both involve managing text to improve communication. If you have copy in hand and would like to make certain it’s the best it can be, allow me to check it for formatting, style, and accuracy.

I offer the following copyediting services:

Basic copyediting

  • Correction of spelling, grammar, usage and punctuation, as well as other mechanical problems (repeated use of the same word, for example)
  • Consistency in terminology, italicization, hyphenation, fonts, capitalization, number style, etc.
  • Adherence to standardized style, such as AP or MLA
  • No major reorganizing or rewriting.

Heavy copyediting

The above, plus:

  • Sentence construction and terminology.
  • Consideration of structure and style (repositioning and rewriting sentences to improve transitions and increase readability).
  • Converting passive voice to active.
  • Eliminating wordiness and inappropriate jargon.

Because I am a graphic designer, I also offer the following:

Design and layout review

Including but not limited to:

  • Column alignment
  • Photo cropping
  • Readability
  • Consistent application of styles
  • Kerning
  • Leading
  • Consistent margins
  • Good ragged zones
  • Justification done well

The price list for these services is available on request. Contact me.