It’s difficult to judge the quality of editing without seeing the original manuscript. If the writing is really clean, it’s easier to catch nearly all the errors. (No one can reasonably claim 100% error-free results.) If the manuscript is a mess, the editor may be so busy fixing the major problems that smaller errors near . . .
Not everyone is suited to be a copyeditor. Are you detail-oriented? Do you like working alone? Do you have a high level of reading comprehension? Can you spot “facts” that can affect the credibility of your client’s work? Are you willing to question your corrections? Do you have an excellent grasp of spelling, punctuation, and . . .
Part 4 of a series first written in 2003 and updated for 2011. Although I make my living by copyediting (and designing books and websites), often a writer will approach me for services they just don’t need yet. The manuscript has to be ready for copyediting before I can take it on. The “self” in . . .