We use Word’s reviewing tools, namely, Track Changes and Insert Comments, when we edit your document. This means that you will see tracked changes for minor editorial changes like punctuation, spelling, and grammar. You will also see comments in the right margin. We might ask you to clarify a confusing sentence, break down a wordy sentence into multiple ones, or explain a concept. In addition, we use comments to make any major wording changes because we don’t want to unintentionally alter the meaning of your document.

Editing is a collaborative process between the writer and editor, so you will not receive a clean copy that is ready to submit. So, here’s what we suggest you do once you receive your edited document:

Read through the document, noting our tracked changes.

If you agree with them all, you can accept the changes globally in the document. Otherwise, you can accept or reject the changes on a case-by-case basis.

Address the comments.

Read through our comments, and implement the changes in the document. Then, be sure to delete all addressed comments to create a clean copy of your document.

Ask for feedback.

If you want us to check your revisions or explain any comments, don’t hesitate to e-mail us. If you’re on a tight deadline, you might not have time for us to check your revisions, but it’s always preferred when possible.

Update frontmatter.

If you have a table of contents, list of tables, or list of figures, then be sure to update it once all of your revisions are complete. The page numbers might have changed as you revised, so this is the last step you should complete before submitting any document.

At Carpenter Doc, we work with business owners and students to help polish their website text. Using active language and straightforward, grammatically correct text offers a professional look for your website. Conversely, sloppy, error-laden text reduces your credibility and the effectiveness of your website. If you’re going to spend money making sure the website is aesthetically pleasing, shouldn’t you take the time to make sure your text is just as strong?

Since website text is typically direct and brief, editing a site is a quick and easy task for us, making it inexpensive for you. Here are some things we can check for:

• Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Consistent use of formatting styles (e.g., heading levels) and terminology
• Active, engaging text
• Effective website structure

So, if you’re working on a website, let us edit the text for you. Contact us today!

Here are some formatting/style issues that editors can help with:

Table of Contents.

In Microsoft Word, students should assign formatting styles to their headings so that they can automatically generate a Table of Contents. For those unfamiliar with Word’s Styles and Formatting tools, this can be confusing. We can help develop the Table of Contents in any document.

Works Cited.

When you’re finished writing, the last thing you want to deal with is your works cited page. We can check your references to ensure they comply with your style guide.

Parenthetical citations.

Do you include the author’s last name in the parenthetical citation? Is there a comma between the last name and year of publication? How do you deal with an article by multiple authors? We check your parenthetical references against your style guide—and your Works Cited page to verify accuracy.

Today’s topic is consistency. Editors can standardize your document, which is important in maintaining clarity. A consistent document is a clean document. Here are some consistency issues we often point out in documents:

Word usage.

Should you use “website” or “web site?” Is the proper term “healthcare” or “health care?” Should “long term” be hyphenated? Often, writers spell a word multiple ways in one document. This error is particularly common in a lengthy document, like a dissertation, when references spell terms in a variety of ways. We spot these inconsistencies and help you standardize them. Often, it’s not which term you use; it’s whether you’ve used the term consistently throughout your document.

Figures and tables.

Each figure and table in your document will present unique information, but the figures and tables should follow a standard template. This standard is often dictated by your style guide, but writers often get caught up in the content and overlook the formatting.

Headings.

Using headings can be a great way to guide your reader through your document, but if your headings aren’t standardized, you’ll lose this benefit. We check headings to ensure they are properly assigned in the document.

Carpenter Doc is ready to help! Until the end of the year, we are offering discounted rates for students. Let us help you with your final papers for the semester — make the last paper your best! Here are a few of the specials we’re running right now:

• Comprehensive edit of any paper under 25 pages for just $20
• Comprehensive edit of resume and cover letter for $25
• 20% off hourly rates for thesis and dissertation edits

Contact us today for these special rates! Remember, if you write it, we can edit it!

1) Identify passive voice.

Passive voice is not only less direct than active voice; it also can create unnecessarily wordy (and, therefore, confusing) sentences. Make note of all passive sentences in your paper, and revise them to an active construction. (Last week’s blog explained how to identify passive sentences in Microsoft Word.) This revision will instantly create a more engaging, reader-friendly paper.

2) Eliminate ambiguity.

Ambiguous pronouns can confuse readers. As you read through your draft, check for pronouns like “it” and “this.” Even though you understand what these pronouns represent, your readers might not. Replace these pronouns with more distinct nouns, or qualify them. The ambiguous “this” can become “this report,” thereby improving reader comprehension.

3) Look at the big picture.

When you’re composing your first draft, you are focused on getting all of your thoughts on paper. At times, this focus can lead to unnecessary additions that drift away from the main point. During the revision process, look at each sentence with a critical eye to determine whether it supports your purpose. If it doesn’t, consider revising the sentence or removing it altogether.