Frequently Asked Questions

What is copyediting?
Copyediting is examining a text, not yet formatted for its final appearance in print or electronic form, for errors in the use of language, styling, and graphics by the author, and proposing corrections that maintain the original intent of the creator of the work.

Is copyediting the same as proofreading?
Although many people use the terms interchangeably, copyediting and proofreading are different operations. Proofreading involves reviewing text that has been formatted for its intended appearance. This is the responsibility of the publisher of the text.

Do you write text or design graphics for clients?
Yes. We have an excellent affiliate service called Virtual Business Services, which handles all forms of copywriting, translation, graphic and website design, online advertising, and other services. Feel free to inquire about the services VBS provides.

Do you handle all types of submissions?
We do not handle pornography or libelous, racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive material.

We reserve the right to return submissions to our clients at our discretion, and to refund in full all payments received in connection with such submissions.

If a text contains information known to be factually incorrect but the author, upon query, will not allow us to provide the correct information, we will return the submission.

What changes will you make to text?
Copyeditors are required to keep the author’s message intact, without adding to or removing from the text anything that changes its intentions. Where we see errors or ways to improve upon the author's message, without violating these rules, we will propose changes.

Our core Copyediting service will review submissions for incorrect or inconsistent spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, translations, styling, formatting, and referencing, as well as consistency, conciseness, specificity, coherency, fluency, and organization.

Our Content Evaluation service will involve formal evaluation of the content, including suggestions and revisions for quality. With this service, we now critique the author’s message.

Where submitted materials are known to be factually incorrect, we attempt to ascertain the correct information and will provide a query to the author.

What changes will you make to graphics?
The same rules apply to graphic editing as to copyediting regarding the author’s message. Our Graphic Editing service will review submissions of graphic material for appropriateness and consistency with the text, proper composition, correct scale and placement, and appropriate captions. Our Content Evaluation service will review the graphics as part of the whole work.

What if the publication is electronic?
For websites, E-books, CDs, DVDs, etc., as part of our Copyediting service we will review submissions for functionality, ease of use, avoidance of excess (e.g. unnecessary or distracting flash, animation, video), and coordination with the text of all hyperlinks, tools, and media.

What methods of payment do you accept?
We offer a variety of payment options. Payments can be made online, using our submission form via electronic checks, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover payments. We also accept manual and PayPal payments. For PayPal payments, please use our E-mail address at .

What editing styles do you work under?
We are able to work according to any editing style you prefer, including Chicago, AP, or any in-house style you prefer. We default to Chicago style if you don't designate a particular style.

What file formats do you work with?
We accept documents formatted for PCs and Macs as well as HTML, PDFs and other non-platform-specific files. Our versatility with file formats is also solid, as we can work with Microsoft Word, Works, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Reader; QwarkXpress; WordPerfect; Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and Illustrator; Quattro; and Lotus 1-2-3.

What types of projects do you handle?
At KeenReader, we can work with a very wide range of project types. Please click here for a full listing of the projects we do handle and the subject matter we will not work with.

Can you handle rush projects with short deadlines?
Please note that all project work submitted under tight deadlines may be charged accordingly. However, all such terms will be discussed with you before we begin any work.

What if the client disagrees with the changes you propose?
Whenever we see an ambiguity or must make a judgment call in the course of editing, we will make a list of queries to the author. This list will be submitted to the author together with the proposed revision. It is strictly up to the author to determine what he or she wishes the work to convey.

Do you publish submissions?
No. All activities involved in publication are the responsibilities of our clients, including securing copyright protection, printing, recording E-books, CDs, and DVDs, and launching websites to the Internet.

Do you represent authors?
We do not function as agents or representatives of our clients for purposes of marketing of submissions, presentation to publishers, negotiations of sales of subsidiary rights, or legal representation in situations regarding copyrights.

On an informal basis, we are happy to assist our clients with all aspects of these matters by means of referrals and networking.