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On the Desk

Editing Services

Let Dr. Jenifer Paquette polish your words!

Editing Services: Work

Definitions and Expectations

Editors are not all the same. We focus on different things, specialize in certain areas, and tweak for specific issues. Here’s a brief overview of some varieties in editing.


First, some terms to clarify: proofreading, copyediting, and editing.

Proofreaders fix surface level issues to make the sentences grammatically correct (spelling, punctuation, and basic sentence structure—maybe). They do not make your words shiny or impressive or even more effective—they simply bring them up to code. Proofreading typically occurs after your manuscript has been accepted, edited, and even typeset—proofreaders scan for last minute typos and errors one last time before sending your work out the door to face the public.


Copyeditors and editors generally perform the same service, but pay attention to the title of the service offered. (Note: Copywriters create text for advertisements and marketing materials. Some of them also edit on the side, but copywriting ability does not automatically mean editing skills). They fix the errors in your writing, but they also rework sentences to show their best side to readers. A good editor will whip your prose into shape without losing your narrative voice in the process (it’s still you—but dressed to impress with your perfect hair and shiny smile!).

If you are interested in discussing any of the services available below, send me an email at editorjmpaquette@gmail.com

How it usually works:

1. You send me an email explaining what you're looking for. 

2. I reply with questions and information. 

3. You send me a sample so I can see what I'm working with. 

4. You receive a sample of my editing work to see what you would be getting. 

5. We both decide if this is something we want to pursue. If so, we arrange the details (expectations, payment, time frame, etc.). 

6. Editing ensues!

7. Satisfaction abounds!


LINE EDITING: “I WROTE THIS, AND IT’S A GREAT IDEA, BUT I THINK MY GRAMMAR NEEDS SOME HELP.”

I can polish your prose to a pristine sheen, wrangle your sentence structure into proper position, and shift your punctuation into place. Not sure what a fragment is? No worries! Hate placing commas? No big deal. I can line edit your words so they use English the way it is intended for $7 page (double-spaced, 12 point font, roughly 300-400 words).

The details:

This service focuses on your work line by line, tweaking your words so the sentences are stronger. Most line edits will fix basic grammar in the process (run-on sentences, obvious misspellings), but the focus will be on strengthening each sentence to pack the most punch. I will note repeated words and phrases (perhaps sending your document back with all 1147 extra That’s highlighted in yellow), drawing your attention to your bad habits so you can improve as a writer. I will smooth tone and narrative pacing in the process, tightening dialogue and cutting out any slack. I will also comment on confusing scenes (and may or may not fix them for you). 


If you want to improve your writing style with feedback and tips, line editing is for you. Editors will leave usually comments throughout that promote your growth as a writer.

COPYEDITING: "I JUST NEED SOMEONE TO MAKE SURE THIS IS CORRECT."

Do you just want to make sure your words are grammatically correct? I can fix what you've got for $5 page (double-spaced, 12 point font, roughly 300-400 words). 

This service focuses on grammatical issues, bringing everything up to code (and sometimes above). I can provide a style sheet with explanations of common issues for you to review afterward, but you won't get the detailed feedback of a line edit. I will pay attention to continuity—both in story (characters, place, setting, etc.) and format (hyphens, capitalizations, spelling, etc.). If you just want someone to fix your stuff  and call it done without much feedback (beyond a style sheet), copyediting is for you.

CONTENT REVIEW: “I HAVE THIS GREAT IDEA, BUT I’M NOT SURE ABOUT THE DETAILS.”

Do you need another pair of eyes to give some honest feedback? I can read for continuity errors (Didn’t Jane have blonde hair last chapter?), flow (This part really seems to drag here), dialogue (“I can’t tell who is talking!”), and overall organization (Maybe this point should be before this other point?).  For $2 page (double-spaced, 12 point font, roughly 300-400 words), I can give you the outside perspective you’ve been lacking. I know those words are perfect inside your head. Let me help you make them perfect for everyone else as well!

The details:

This service provides feedback on your idea/outline/concept/really rough draft. This process does not adjust sentence structure, focusing on the story and world as a whole to evaluate how well it works for readers (so far). This editing should be done before any line editing or copyediting (Why polish sentences that may not make it into the final version?).

FORMAT THERAPY: “I KNOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE MLA, BUT DID I DO IT RIGHT?”

Do APA and MLA format make your head hurt? Are your citations in the right format? What should a level three heading in APA really look like? Does your Table of Contents even match your sections? The finer points of formatting are often a source of frustration for writers. I get it–you spend your time and energy creating! Who wants to stop to learn the intricacies of some alphabet-soup formatting style? Luckily, I am steeped in MLA and APA format. For $2 page (double-spaced, 12 point font, roughly 300-400 words), I can make sure your document meets all of the requirements from margins and headers to in-text citations and References/Works Cited Pages.

DISSERTATIONS: “PLEASE MAKE THIS PRETTY SO THAT MY COMMITTEE APPROVES IT!”

I’ve been there. I know your pain. And hopefully, I can ease some of it! Graduate level academic papers can seem like the end of the world (and on some level, they are–the end of your career as a student and the beginning of new things!). I still offer the same services listed above, but if you’re just looking for line editing and formatting, I offer both for $7 page (including all pages from cover to References/Works Cited). I will need your program’s writing guidelines, if your school uses specific rules.

NERDY REVIEW: "IT'S A GAMER THING. HELP ME MAKE IT CONSISTENT."

I'm a role playing super nerd who started gaming with THAC0, and I've been playing table top games for a ridiculously long time. Do you need an editor who understands game mechanics for your module or gaming system? Send me an email and we can work out the details!

RANDOM WORDS IN NEED OF TWEAKING: “I WROTE THIS. HELP.”

Do you have something else that needs proofreading? Let me know what you’re looking for, and we can figure something out. My job is to make your words do what you want them to do while following the conventions of standard English.

Why should you trust JM Paquette?

Dr. Jenifer Paquette has been teaching English in higher education for over twenty years. Her areas of expertise run from the history of the English language and the intricacies of grammatical rules to guidelines for effective writing and communication across disciplines. If you've ever wondered why English is a crazy language, watch her video series on YouTube (channel Editor JMPaquette)!

When she isn't grading essays or editing manuscripts for academics and creative writers, JM Paquette spends her time writing fantasy and paranormal romance novels.

She can be found at 4horsemenpublications.com, on Twitter @authorjmp and @editorjmp13, and as Author JM Paquette on Facebook and Instagram.

Proofreading is really important. Watch this video with Taylor Mali to see why:

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