Language editing
Language editing and proofreading for seforim
A language editor polishes the wording without touching the content: clear sentences, consistent language, correct spelling and punctuation – and in a sefer, respect for the language of Chazal and the poskim, for abbreviations and for the author's own voice.
On Shulchan Orech you will find language editors and proofreaders who specialise in Torah literature, see each one's specialisations and rates, and contact them directly.
Language editors on Shulchan Orech
All language editors in the directoryWhat does language editing cover?
Wording: breaking up long sentences, clarifying the line of thought and improving the flow, without changing the meaning.
Consistency: spelling, abbreviations, numbers, references and punctuation, the same way throughout.
Proofreading: correcting typing, spelling and punctuation mistakes at the end, before and after typesetting.
Language editing or Torah editing?
Torah editing works on the content – the order of the sugya, the sources, the structure. Language editing works on the language. Many books need both, and some editors do both.
How to choose a language editor
Check that the editor knows the kind of literature – halacha, derush, Chassidus, articles – and ask for a short sample on one page of your work before you start.
Questions about language editing
- How much does language editing cost?
- It is usually priced by the page or by the word, depending on the state of the text. Each editor's profile shows their rates, and you can ask for a quote.
- Will the editor change my style?
- A good editor improves clarity and keeps the author's voice. Agree beforehand how far to intervene in the wording.
- When is proofreading done?
- At the end: once before typesetting, and again on the typeset file before printing.
A language editor or proofreader? Show your work
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