What I Do

My name is Brian D. Buckley, and I’m a copyeditor. If you’re a writer, I could be your copyeditor.

What’s a copyeditor? What can you do for me?

I correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, usage, and style. I also do fact-checking, look at internal consistency, and smooth out awkward or unclear sentences. Basically, I take care of all the nitpicky little issues so you don’t have to.

Stuff like:

  • When should you use “blond” vs. “blonde”? Or “discrete” vs. “discreet”? Or “twenty-five” vs. “25”?
  • Should you put spaces around dashes — like this? Or no spaces—like this?
  • Is it really so bad to end sentences with prepositions, or to split infinitives?
  • What are the rules for using “who” vs. “whom,” and when should you break them? What are the exceptions to English rules in general?
  • Did you write “half-hearted” in chapter eight, but “halfhearted” in chapter twelve?
  • Does your character, Emily, have green eyes in chapter five, but blue eyes in chapter seventeen?
  • Do you have characters in the 1920s talking about the planet Pluto (which wasn’t discovered until 1930)?
  • When does a question mark go inside quotation marks, and when does it go outside?
  • Is it ever okay to use the so-called “singular they”? As in: “The new president can appoint anyone they like for that job.”

And more!

How much do you charge? How long does it take?

Every project is different, and everything is negotiable. Send me an email and let’s talk.

How do I reach you?

Email me at buckley.d.brian@gmail.com, and let me make your work the best it can be!

What if I have more questions?

Check out the Q&A section.