Code of Practice

Although I am not yet a member, I work to the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) Code of Practice - a full version can be downloaded from the SfEP website.

“The Society for Editors and Proofreaders has two main aims:
- to encourage high standards of editing and proofreading
- to uphold the professional status of editors and proofreaders.”

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.

Ethical Guidelines: Editing Student Work

To prevent issues of unfair representation of a student's academic or writing abilities, or advantage to students able to afford professional editorial services, I adhere to the following guidelines as recommended by the Council of Australian Societies of Editors and the Association of Canadian Editors:

• Written permission must be given by your academic supervisor for editing/proofreading to be carried out, including any limitations on editorial changes.
• Editing and proofreading is confined only to matters of consistency, completeness, language and illustrations. Content and style must be discussed with your academic supervisor.
• Katarzyna Piper -- Editorial Services must be noted in the acknowledgements as having proofread/copy-edited the thesis/dissertation. My area of expertise (Earth Sciences) must also be acknowledged if the student's work covers this subject.