Code of Practice

I am an associate member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and work to their Code of Practice - a full version can be downloaded from the SfEP website.

“The Society of Editors and Proofreaders works to promote editorial standards, uphold the professional status of editorial workers, and encourage the use of services offered by its membership.”

The SfEP also has a good FAQ section with lots of information about the roles of proofreaders and copy-editors, and how they can help you.

For copy-editing, the code defines three main levels:

Level 1: technical. Non-intrusive copy-editing and basic mark-up for the typesetter. The client accepts the bulk of the text as received. Minimal intervention required to deal with inconsistencies in style and/or fact.

Level 2: structural. More intrusive copy-editing where the client has agreed with the author that the text requires structural intervention for clarification (rephrasing rather than rewriting). E.g., multi-authored works where presentation is uneven. Includes level 1 copy-editing.

Level 3: substantive. Client and author agreed that reconstruction and rewriting are necessary in order to adapt the material for its defined market. E.g., author is primarily an information provider and not necessarily an experienced writer. Includes level 1 copy-editing.

See Section 5.1.3, SfEP code of practice 2005

The appropriate level will be defined in the client's brief or agreed after examination of the client's text prior to commencing copy-editing.

Clients are encouraged to provide feedback on my service.