Freelance Copy Editor and Writer

The objective of a freelance editor working for AFI is to critically review, edit and revise documents in order for ideas to be expressed clearly, presented in a consistently high standard of quality, and according to AFI’s style and presentation. The editor is responsible for both editing and proofreading the layout of documents. When specific project requires, the editor/writer should be able to write the document based on guidance provided by AFI.

Scope of Work:

• Level 1. Copy-editing, language, and style.
  • Apply editorial changes to text, tables, and figures using track changes in Microsoft Word.
  • Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage for correctness and consistency.
  • Ensure conformity with AFI Style Guide (to be provided upon agreement).
  • Eliminate unnecessary italics, boldface, quotation marks, and redundant abbreviations. Ensure essential abbreviations are spelt out at first mention.
  • Verify the spelling and presentation of AFI Member names and other proper names (cities, conferences, organizations, individuals, government institutions, etc.).
  • Edit chapter titles, subheadings, table/figure legends for brevity, consistency, and parallel construction, check numbering if applicable.
  • Ensure cross-references to chapters, sections, tables, and figures are accurate.
  • Monitor paragraph length and eliminate verbatim repetition or redundant passages.
  • Review and query discriminatory language.
  • Edit or prepare the table of contents and list of abbreviations.
• Level 2. Technical editing:
• Verify precise use of technical terms and check for factual accuracy.
• Identify content that may be biased, politically or legally sensitive, or prejudicial to AFI, and take appropriate action.
• Simplify complex technical language, eliminate jargon, rewrite long sentences, and clarify definitions as needed.
• Check that references correspond to the subject matter and are cited correctly in the text.
• Advise on the use and presentation of tables, figures, text boxes, footnotes, and annexes; ensure data is accurate and consistent, and calculations (e.g., totals) are correct.
• Ensure that the main text reflects information presented in tables and figures.
• Make layout and design suggestions for designers as needed.
• Compile a list of queries (technical errors, ambiguities, inconsistencies, faulty logic) for the author, either embedded in the text or as a separate document. For long or complex assignments, submit queries chapter by chapter or section by section.