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Why does manuscript formatting matter when editing?
Font and line-spacing preferences can vary from author to author, but certain fonts and spacing work better for editing and proofreading. Fonts: While the many font types available seem almost endless, some are used more widely because of their features and readability. When considering readability, clear letter formation and good letter spacing are most important. These characteristics allow our eyes to read long lines of text more easily. After years of experience in editin
Dec 8, 2025


What is a beta reader, and when should I use one?
A beta reader is someone who reads your book and provides feedback. Typically, beta readers are not paid, but there are people who offer professional beta reading services. Think of your beta readers as your test audience. Their job is to look at the big-picture elements of your story and help you identify any issues with plot, characters, pacing, clarity, and areas where the manuscript could be strengthened. In most cases, beta reading is done after developmental editing bu
Nov 13, 2025


Is there a difference between a Copyedit and a Proofread?
The answer is YES! Copyediting and proofreading have many similarities, which can make it easy to confuse the two services. They may even have different meanings for different editors or proofreaders. It’s important to understand each service so you know what to expect and can make the best decision about the type of service you want to book. A copyedit with KLS includes: 📌Checking for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 📌Checking for missing, wrong, and duplicated w
May 26, 2025


What is the purpose of a Developmental Edit?
Developmental Editing, Line Editing, Copyediting, Proofreading. It can be difficult to understand the various stages of the editing process. Developmental Editing is one of the first steps in editing your book, so it’s important to understand this type of edit and its purpose in strengthening your manuscript and getting it ready for your readers. Developmental Editing, also known as structural or content editing, is a type of editing that focuses on the content of your story.
Feb 9, 2025


How much time will an edit take?
At KLS, we recognize the importance of your time in the world of writing and publishing. Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality, timely literary services, backed by their extensive expertise in the field. Our editing timelines are designed to be flexible, taking into account various factors such as project word count and the number of services booked. This adaptability ensures that we can cater to your specific needs and deliver the best re
Jun 10, 2024


How much is enough?
Various factors influence the number of rounds of editing you need. It can depend on your personal preference, the time you have for editing before release, your self-editing experience, and your budget. It can even vary from project to project. There may be times when you have a manuscript that just won’t cooperate, and that might be when you want to book additional rounds of editing. 📌For four rounds of editing, you would start with two passes of Developmental Editing, The
Jun 10, 2024


Working with your editor and/or proofreader.
As editors and proofreaders, we are here to help make your story the best it can be. However, before sending us your manuscript, there are a few things you can do to help us do our best work. 📌Set your document spacing to 1.5. This is our preference, as it enhances the readability of a manuscript. 📌Use an easy-to-read font. We prefer a simple font, such as Times New Roman or a similar one. 📌Make sure you put all indents in place. You should indent any time you start a new
Jun 10, 2024


American or British English, that is the question.
Before we book and assign an editor or proofreader to your project, we always ask whether you want your manuscript edited in American English or British English. It might seem trivial, but it is an important aspect of professionally editing your manuscript. There are many differences between American English and British English, and it’s crucial to ensure consistency across your entire manuscript regarding the type of English you want to use. Some significant differences betw
Jun 10, 2024


Tips on self-editing.
There’s not one answer for this one. Every author has a different process. We encourage authors to do several read-throughs before sending it for professional editing. You want to get the most out of your edit, and sending a manuscript off without doing the basic checks will make your editor’s job challenging. When a markup is extensive, it actually makes the document hard to read. So when we go through for our second pass, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees. Some things
Mar 29, 2024


Shopping for editors.
The simple answer to this question is YES! Not every editor will be perfect for you. We encourage all new clients to take samples with a few editors. We recommend they send the same writing sample to them so the comparison at the end is easy. It’s important to see how your editor will work and how you feel about the feedback. Do you like no-nonsense edits or prefer a softer approach? Do you like comments throughout your edit highlighting the parts your editor really enjoyed,
Dec 16, 2023


What’s the difference between a copy and line edit?
Is a copy edit and a line edit the same thing? The answer is NO! Sometimes, the differences between a copyedit and a line edit can be unclear. Knowing the specific goals of each type of edit can help you anticipate what to expect and decide which type of service to book. A copyedit with KLS focuses on: Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Missing, wrong, and duplicated words. Providing some in-line comments and suggestions when appropriate. A line edit with KLS focuses
Dec 11, 2023


What’s a Style Sheet?
Before your project begins, we ask that you complete a Style Sheet. Our Style Sheet is a personalized guide to your book. It is where you tell your editor and/or proofreader about your book, characters, and specific preferences regarding grammar, punctuation, etc. While we typically refer to The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s dictionary when editing in American English (unless otherwise noted), there will always be specific style preferences that are at the aut
Dec 11, 2023


When to book your editor.
This one is tricky. We get pretty busy during certain times of the year, so squeezing you in at the last minute isn’t always an option. We would encourage you to book a few months ahead if possible. We will always try to accommodate any schedule changes you need closer to the time. Please ensure you take note of our date change and cancellation policies, both of which can be found on the FAQs page. However, we get late cancellations occasionally, so those last-minute bookings
Oct 31, 2023


Show, don’t tell.
We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase “Show, don’t tell” before. It is a simple idea that can sometimes be challenging to put into practice. While this list is not comprehensive, here are a few tips on how to paint a vivid picture for your reader without just telling. Camera Test: Write as if you were watching a movie through a camera lens. If your reader can ’ t see what is happening, you might be telling instead of showing. Incorporate plenty of dialogue. Dialogue, in itself,
Sep 12, 2023
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