The Editing Process

Potential clients and aspiring writers want to know what goes into the editing process. Most individuals do not know what to expect when they submit their work for editing. Below I provide a few examples of the different stages of the editing process and what you can expect when you use Writerz Block for your editing needs.

Original .doc in Microsoft Word

This is an excerpt from ©John Murray McKay's horror novel 'The N Days' in its original text. (example used with permission)

Stage 1: Copy Editing

The first stage in the editing process is copy editing. This includes finding and correcting redundancies, consistency, flow; content suggestions regarding plot, dialogue, and the use of description among other aspects. This stage also includes research, fact checking, and finding specific words to identify vague words used in the document. This requires hours of research and meetings with personal consultants affiliated with Writerz Block in order to provide the best possible quality of work that I have at my disposal for my clients.

This stage is also more in-depth and specific; I delve into the manuscript and edit line-by-line. I then make my own suggestions on how to change and improve the document through Microsoft Word's Track Changes to explain what needs to change and why. As a rule, the author of the manuscript has the final say on what are acceptable changes and what are not. The author is in complete control of the editing.

Stage 2: Author Revisions

After the copy edited manuscript is returned to me, it should resemble something like the image below. The author either accepts or rejects any changes I made during the initial copy editing stage. As you can see, the manuscript still requires attention. I then move along to the third stage of editing.

Stage 3: Proofreading

Proofreading consists of fixing grammatical errors, redundancies, run-on sentences, cliches, and overused words. This is where some sentences are rewritten and all major technical issues are fixed. The manuscript is then sent back to the author for final approval and any other necessary changes.

Stage 4: Final Revisions
On-call modifications

This is what the final product will probably look like after the copy editing and proofreading changes are made. Sometimes authors decide to keep passive-voice sentences (such as in this exampled document). Any other modifications to the document after this point will be done free of charge for the life of the book. I guarantee all of my work and am here to help and support all of my clients.

All of the images presented are from the novel, The N Days, by ©John Murray McKay (pending republication). This excerpt is used as an example with permission from the author.

No part of this excerpt may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without permission of the author. Requests for permission to make copies of any part of the work can be made through the author’s Facebook page:

Writerz Block does not tolerate plagiarism!