Specializations
Editing a document, regardless of its word or page count, is a process that involves multiple stages. In each stage, the editor focuses on different aspects of the document. This makes it easier not only to edit but also to provide specific feedback.
While not all documents need to go through all the editing stages, it is helpful to know what each stage entails so that you can be clear about what specific services you need.
Some editors provide all the editing services, and other editors may provide only copyediting, formatting, and proofreading services. Here you can find details on what Nth Draft specializes in.
Manuscript Evaluation
& Sample Edit
This stage is necessary for fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, but not so much for other types of documents. The editor goes over the sample (usually the first chapter) and delivers an evaluation that includes the strengths, weaknesses, and points for improvement. Along with the evaluation, the editor will also do a sample edit (not necessarily the entire chapter). This gives the editor an idea of how much time it would take for the edit. It gives the writer an example of what the edited draft looks like, including editor's comments and editing style.
Copyediting
The second stage of editing. At this stage the editor works on grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and other language-related issues. It is also called "line editing" because this is where the editor goes over line by line with a laser focus.
Proofreading
The final stage of editing where the editor reads through the document to correct typos and other remaining issues, which are minor at this stage. At Nth Draft, you have the option to send already edited manuscripts for proofreading.
Developmental Editing
The first stage of editing. The focus is on the main elements of the document. Since the intention of this stage is to get the content ready, it is also called "content editing." Fiction & nonfiction manuscripts: Narrative structure, plot, setting, character development, themes, voice, pace Academic: Thesis statement, theoretical framework, methodology etc. Nonfiction other: Introduction, main points, conclusion, flow between ideas and paragraphs, logical progression of ideas etc.
Post-Editing
This is the process of editing machine-generated translations to improve content. At Nth Draft, post-editing also includes editing AI-generated content to make the piece sound more human with accurate, contextual, and grammatical content.
Formatting
Formatting services are provided only for academic documents requiring APA formatting. Focus: Title page, figures and tables, headings and sub-headings, spacing and margins, in-text citations, final reference list, and appendices.