As many will be aware, my editing and proofreading packages include a service known as "fact checking" but what does this involve, and how will it affect a finished document?
To begin with, fact checking applies to all written text, whether that is an online article, a written letter, or a fiction (or non-fiction) book. Some of the things checked might not be applicable in all cases, but some categories apply to ALL written work.
So, what things do I check?
Fact checking can be divided into a number of different categories.
NAMES - Are all names of characters, people, places, objects spelt correctly? If they are "made up" names, and the spelling is "bespoke" (I'm thinking fantasy genres), is the spelling consistent throughout the text? Here, I make use of a style sheet. For those unfamiliar with their content and use, I have another blog post that explains everything. Style Sheet use.
In a recent editing project, I got three-quarters of the way through the text before an apparently new character appeared. It turned out that it wasn't someone new. In the earlier sections of the book, they had been referred to as "Amber's dad," but in the latter stages, their name became "Mr whoever." Clearly, this would cause confusion to the reader, so it needed to be queried with the author, and a consistent approach used throughout.
A point to consider, from the editor's perspective, is not to assume that a spelling is correct. If an author refers to Mr Davis twenty times in their book, then writes Mr Davies once, should you "assume" that the majority spelling is correct? The answer is no. It should always be queried with the author.
Names of products can also be problematic. Authors need to be aware of trademark and copyright issues. Saying that a hoover was used by a character isn't breaching these rules, however a hoover is a trademarked name. In similar situations, the editor might suggest using an alternate description (vacuum cleaner) to avoid legal potential issues. What actually breaks trademark/copyright laws (and what consequences ensue), is a complex minefield, so it might become the topic of a future blog post at some point.
Names of real-life, famous people or places also need to be checked. Does the person use a specific spelling of their name? Is their name a trademark? I tend to research all such details and leave a link in the comments confirming the spelling or existence (using their official website if they have one). The same applies to real places or locations.
DATES - Dates within written text need to be checked. Is the format consistent throughout, and does it comply with the style guide recommendations? US and UK date formats are different. The order is different. Some use 3rd, 2nd, others don't. Some have specific orders if using days, months, years, and some use full year formats compared to just the end section (2024 as opposed to '24). There are lots of variables, so consistency is paramount. Again, a style sheet is an invaluable resource for keeping track of what you have used.
In books, keep a timeline of events as part of your style sheet. Even if specific dates are not used, keeping track of events, and knowing the sequence is vital. It is not uncommon for writers to refer to something that hasn't actually happened in the story yet.
NUMBERS and CALCULATIONS - Any use of numbers should be consistent and follow style guidelines. Should they be written or digits? Does the format change after two figures? What about fractions? Lots of facts and details to be checked.
If there is mention of numbers being added or subtracted, ensuring that the final calculation is correct comes under fact checking too.
URLs and EMAIL ADDRESSES - Not that applicable to fiction, but these items ought to be fact checked. Never assume that an address is correct. Wherever possible, follow the link and confirm it is right. If the editor cannot confirm it, then raise a query with the author. I tend to check every link and leave a comment confirming its use to the author. Look for missing dots, or incorrect .com .co.uk etc.
TITLES - Titles might be as simple as using Mr, Mrs, or a specific rank, or official title. Each style guide will dictate the correct format, but authors might choose to deviate from these guides. Always check for their preference, and then be consistent throughout (add to style sheet). If a person is real, and they are given an official title in the text, part of fact checking is to confirm that they are actually entitled to use that title. For example, if referring to a judge, should they be referred to as "Sir," "Your Worship," "Your Honour," etc? Check the facts and leave a reference to your results in a comment.
POSTAL ADDRESSES - Check that they are correct and are formatted correctly. (this includes postcodes - these can be checked in the UK on the post office website).
PHONE NUMBERS - These need confirming. Ideally, ring them to confirm that they exist, but if not, ensure that the author knows that they are responsible for checking them themself.
NUMBERED LISTS - Check for format, consistency, and that all of the numbers are consecutive with nothing missing.
When it comes to fact checking, it is best to assume that everything is incorrect until PROVEN correct by yourself - all part of my service.
In the world of fiction editing, fact checking can take on a whole different meaning. It could be genre specific, and it might involve researching specific aspects of a story in minute detail.
As an example, I write crime fiction. I'm also a former police officer. As a result, I have a good working knowledge of police procedure (in the UK); how people behave in that context, how they speak, and how long things take in the "real world" to achieve. Others might not be that well educated in crime and policing so they'd need to research to confirm that things were written correctly. Ideally, it should be the author doing the research, but if the editor is checking the facts, they too, need to research things to confirm they are correct. From a personal POV, I see so many TV dramas (and books) where there are blatant errors, from the names used to refer to senior officers, to the almost instant results obtained from forensics, to simply calling a burglary a robbery, etc. These might be small, technical errors that 90% of people would miss, but to the editor (aiming for perfection), they are vital.
The moral being, If you have a genre specific book, aim to find an editor who has prior knowledge, or experience, in that area.
For information of my copyediting, line editing, and proofreading services, go to https://www.proofwriteuk.com where all of your questions will be answered.
If you'd like to discuss your manuscript's requirements, or would like to obtain a FREE quote (or a FREE 1000 word sample edit), please contact me through my website's "contact" page or via Facebook or X (Twitter).
Email: AJHeasman.ProofWrite@aol.com
I also offer my services through Fiverr
Kommentare