Structural review
- Verify overall flow and logical chapter sequencing
- Confirm each chapter supports the manuscript’s core theme
- Check for balance in chapter lengths and pacing
- Ensure transitions guide the reader smoothly between sections
- Identify and resolve any redundant or off-topic content
Copy editing
- Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax errors
- Standardize terminology, voice, and style throughout the text
- Refine sentence structure for clarity and readability
- Ensure consistency in character names, dates, and factual details
- Eliminate clichés and wordiness to tighten the prose
Proofreading
- Perform a line-by-line read for typos and formatting glitches
- Verify corrected errors have not introduced new mistakes
- Check for consistent use of italics, bold, and special characters
- Scan for broken or misplaced paragraph breaks and page markers
- Use dual reading methods (print and screen) to catch different issues
Formatting and layout
- Apply consistent heading styles, fonts, and margins for e-readers
- Ensure proper encoding of special characters and diacritics
- Validate table of contents links and internal navigation anchors
- Optimize image placement, sizing, and caption formatting
- Confirm metadata fields (title, author, ISBN) are correctly embedded
Final quality assurance
- Test the e-book file on multiple devices and reader apps
- Check DRM or access controls function as intended
- Validate hyperlinks, footnotes, and endnotes for accuracy
- Review embedded fonts and file size for performance optimization
- Solicit a fresh proofread from an uninvolved reader before release