Services

This is the final check and polish before publication, flagging any errors and reviewing clarity and accuracy.

During my proofread of your work, I will:

• Correct any spelling, punctuation, grammar and repetition issues.
• Flag any layout or formatting problems.
• Ensure consistency in spelling, capitalisation, hyphenation, punctuation and other elements of style.
• Cross-check necessary elements (contents pages, notes, indexes, tables, etc.).
• Test any included web links.
• Perform basic fact-checking, such as confirming that names are spelt correctly and any contact info is accurate (though please note that I will not check ALL factual information).

Please note that proofreaders do not alter the original text directly; instead, we flag the necessary changes. This is done either by marking up a PDF or by using Track Changes in Microsoft Word (or the equivalent in Google Docs or Pages). The marked-up proof is then returned to you to review: you will then need to either amend the original document yourself (if working from a PDF) or accept/decline each suggested change (if working in a word processor). Please, therefore, factor this into your required turnaround time. If working in a word processor, you will also receive a ‘clean’ copy of the document with all changes already accepted, ready for printing or publication, should you prefer not to review them.

Usually, only one round of proofreading will be needed; however, if your text contains many errors, it may be advisable to have a second round of proofreading to ensure that all amendments have been made correctly and no new errors have been introduced.

Proof-editing

From £10 per 500 words (£5 min charge)

If your content has not been previously copy-edited, then it may be best suited to a proof-edit. This hybrid service combines proofreading with a light copy-edit to not only correct surface-level errors but to also suggest minor adjustments to improve clarity, readability and flow.

During my proof-edit of your work, I will:

• Carry out all standard proofreading tasks.
• Make suggestions to improve clarity, awkward phrasing and flow.
• Offer alternative word choice suggestions to avoid repetition and enhance the impact of your text.
• Improve overall coherence and readability.

Proof-editing is less intensive than copyediting and is therefore best suited to texts that are already well-written but require a final refinement beyond a basic proofread.

What can you proofread?

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