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Developmental editors assess the structure of the author's manuscript, help clarify its message, and ensure the intended audience will be engaged.

Line editors (mainly a US description) look at the manuscript for issues of style, content, and language. They point out, for example, where pacing could be improved, where certain words are overused, and where the style is inconsistent.

Copyeditors check the manuscript for inconsistencies, errors, and repetition. They correct errors, such as those in spelling, capitalization, and hyphenation. They also check for factual inconsistencies and incorrect statements.

Proofreaders are the last line of defence before publication. As well as addressing any remaining typos, they check other elements on the page, such as inconsistent page headers, poorly placed tables and figures, and check page numbers.

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) factsheet "Proofreading or copyediting?" identifies the differences between these two skills.

It is important to find the right editor. What sort of editing do you need? Would it be useful if your editor has experience with another language? Do you need someone who can proofread sheet music? How much do editors charge?

The CIEP booklet "Proofreading or editing? A quick guide to using editorial professionals" will help you answer these questions.

The editors in the FaME directory all have different backgrounds and skills. Have a look at their profiles to see which are most likely to work well with your needs.

FaME is run by a group of CIEP members and you have to be a CIEP member to join. If you'd like to be involved, please send a private message to Eleanor Bolton on the CIEP forum.