Choose suitable work for an existing text
Editing can improve language, structure and coherence. A final error check has a different focus. Clarify actual tasks before comparing quotes by words or pages.
Describe use and readers
State text type, audience and purpose: reports, books, specialist texts and websites need different approaches. Explain what works and where support is wanted.
The writer’s voice should remain within agreed limits. A different tone, major cuts or new content need clear agreement.
Agree editing depth
Providers use terms differently. A task list defines scope more reliably than the word editing alone.
| Task | Required work |
|---|---|
| Language | Sentences, expression and flow |
| Structure | Organisation and clear transitions |
| Consistency | Terms, spelling and references |
| Corrections | Spelling, grammar and punctuation |
State readiness and volume
A completed manuscript can be described by actual word count. For unfinished text, volume bands and expected delivery stage are sufficient. Ongoing engagements need volume per delivery.
Page counts depend on layout, font and images. Pricing per page needs an agreed counting basis. Tables, notes and extra languages may form separate tasks.
Agree language variants and house style
Specify language, target market and preferred conventions. Swiss usage, terminology and internal style should fit the purpose. An official house style is not automatically binding for private engagements.
Existing terminology and style instructions help consistency. Multiple texts need common rules; unresolved variants should be agreed.
Define content checking
Contradictions or unclear statements can be raised as queries. Full research, source checking, technical assessment and legal review are not automatically included.
Specialist texts need someone responsible for substantive answers. Polishing language should not make unsupported statements appear certain. Academic or institutional requirements should be clarified separately.
Organise changes and approval
Agree a reference version, format and tracked changes. Visible edits and commented queries help authors review the work.
Plan editing, queries and final approval. Later additions or extensive changes may need another pass. The final layout check remains a separate task.
Compare equivalent tasks
Compare editing depth, text readiness and included discussions. A short language pass differs from extensive restructuring. An agreed sample can clarify scope and approach.
| Item | What to agree |
|---|---|
| Volume | Words or defined pages per delivery |
| Editing | Language, structure and consistency |
| Extra checking | Facts, sources or specialist questions |
| Discussion | Comments, answers and approval |
| Delivery | Format, rounds and deadline |
Frequently asked questions
Are editing and proofreading the same?
They overlap, but editing can change language and structure more substantially. Define actual tasks.
Must the text be finished?
Work needs an agreed version. You can enquire earlier using estimated volume.
Will my style change?
Within agreed limits. Describe the tone and permitted depth of intervention.
Are all facts checked?
Not automatically. Fact and source checking need an explicit scope.
How will I see changes?
Agree tracked changes and comments in a suitable format.
What about later additions?
New or heavily changed passages may need extra review. Agree included rounds and subsequent work.
