Copy editor, proofreading, line editing

Hello, I am seeking an experienced copy editor and proofreader for a spiritually reflective memoir of approximately 60,000 words. The manuscript is contemplative in tone and explores themes of inner calling, faith, connection, and personal transformation. The structure and content are complete, and I am not seeking developmental editing. I need careful copy editing focused on clarity, flow, consistency, grammar, and sentence-level refinement, followed by professional proofreading to prepare the manuscript for self-publication. In addition, the editor must be willing to flag or remove specific categories of words or references upon request, such as names of prophets, religious figures, or geographic locations, to ensure the manuscript aligns with my stylistic and philosophical constraints. Experience with memoirs, spiritual or reflective writing, and a sensitive, restrained editorial approach is highly preferred.. I will attach the file once I hire. Thank you. Editorial Guidelines, Coordination, and Timeline Manuscript Overview • Genre: Spiritual memoir / contemplative nonfiction • Length: Approximately 60,000 words • Status: Complete manuscript • Publishing Path: Self-publication (Amazon KDP) The manuscript is structurally complete and does not require developmental editing. Scope of Editing Required 1. Line Editing and Copy Editing (Primary Scope) Please perform line-level and copy editing on the Word manuscript, including: • Sentence clarity, rhythm, and flow, while preserving the author’s voice • Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax corrections • Consistency in tense, capitalization, terminology, and style • Tightening language and removing redundancy where appropriate • Improving paragraph transitions without altering meaning Important boundaries: • No rewriting, restructuring, or content additions without author approval • All changes must be tracked using tracked changes • Any suggested substantive changes should be clearly commented Content Constraints (Mandatory Compliance) Restricted Religious Figures The manuscript must not contain explicit references to named prophets or religious figures, including but not limited to: • Moses • Mohammad / Muhammad • Jesus Christ • Buddha • Or similar figures Instructions: • Do not replace or edit these names • Flag every occurrence only • Provide a list or comments noting: ◦ Page (or chapter) ◦ Paragraph or sentence ◦ Exact wording used Replacement language will be provided by the author. Geographic References (Clarification) Regarding geographical references: • Only the names of countries and cities must be flagged • Regions, landscapes, or non-specific place descriptions do not need to be flagged • Do not alter or remove country or city names without author approval Please include flagged geographic references in the same summary list used for restricted names. Style and Tone Requirements • Maintain a contemplative, inclusive, and neutral tone • Avoid doctrinal, comparative, or exclusionary language • Avoid introducing new specific identifiers • Preserve openness and universality Coordination With Layout Designer and Timeline • Copy editing will be performed on the Word manuscript • Interior layout and cover design (front, spine, back) will be developed in parallel by a separate layout designer • No layout changes are required from the editor Expected Timeline 1 Copy Editing / Line Editing → Editor delivers tracked-changes manuscript 2 Author Review and Approval → Author approves edits and provides replacements for flagged terms 3 Manuscript Hand-off to Layout Designer → Clean, approved manuscript is flowed into final interior design 4 Proofreading Phase (Post-Layout) → Proofreading will occur after interior layout is complete, on the designed PDF pages → Proofreading may be performed by a separate proofreader 5 Final Corrections → Proofreader’s corrections will be applied by the layout designer → Final print-ready and eBook files will be produced Deliverables From the Editor • Edited Word manuscript with tracked changes • Clear comments for any sensitive or uncertain edits • A summary list of: ◦ Flagged religious figure names ◦ Flagged country and city names Confidentiality Notice :The manuscript and all related materials are confidential and remain the sole intellectual property of the author. No part of the manuscript, drafts, edits, or related content may be shared, reused, reproduced, or disclosed outside the scope of this project. Please reply: “I agree to the confidentiality terms.” Final Note This project requires precision, sensitivity, and editorial restraint. Edits should enhance clarity and polish while fully respecting the manuscript’s philosophical and stylistic constraints. Apply tot his job