Why use a proofreader?

To avoid errors. As a proofreader it is my job to read what is written – word for word, comma for comma and letter for letter.

Proofreading is much more than a quick run-through with a spellchecker. A spellchecker is good at letting you know if it recognises a word that is in its database, but what it can't tell you is if it is the correct word to convey your meaning.

Your written material represents you and first impressions count. Sending out material containing errors and inconsistencies will not inspire confidence, and people will notice!

As a professional freelance proofreader I am trained to locate and correct errors, ensuring that your document is ready for viewing.
Any questions? Lets chat

What is proofreading?

A close and thorough reading of written material in order to detect, and correct any errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. In other words, it's a form of quality control.
Any questions? Lets chat

What is copyediting?

The technical preparation of material for printing/publication, together with overall checking of structure, consistency, correct word usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

In the publishing world the roles of copyeditors and proofreaders are clearly defined: they are two different stages in the publication process.

Outside of publishing it's not so clear-cut and can appear perplexing. Essentially, you need your written material to be checked. It could be a careful perusal of spellings or typos, or you may require a heavier edit. In most instances people require a mixture of the two, namely a proof-edit. I am happy to discuss this with you in more detail (by phone or email) to establish what level of work is required.
Any questions? Lets chat

What is proof-editing?

Outside of publishing this process is not so clear-cut and can appear perplexing. Essentially, you need your written material to be checked. It could be a careful perusal of spellings or typos, or you may require a heavier edit. In most instances, people require a mixture of the two, namely a proof-edit.

Clients’ needs vary. Some material just requires a straightforward proofread, but often, the content needs ‘tidying up’; but invariably, some clients may be restricted by lack of time or funds for a full copyedit. This is the beauty of proof-editing – it’s a one-stop-shop. For example, I would be alert to identifying the overuse of: the same words (in a repetitive manner), italics, bold, and capitals. I would make the appropriate adjustments to ensure the free-flow of the material (which may even include reducing/condensing the size of the content or rephrasing).

I am happy to discuss this with you in more detail (by phone or email) to establish what level of work is required.
Any questions? Lets chat

Benefits of proofreading and copyediting

Don't allow spelling mistakes to spoil the quality of your work. Spellchecker is a useful tool, but alas, it's unable to distinguish words used in the wrong context:

there, their, or they're

dependent or dependant

formally or formerly

principle or principal

Your written material should be error-free and consistent. It should convey your communication in the clearest possible way with smooth-flowing text. Additionally, proofreading and/or copyediting provides you with peace of mind and adds a professional dimension to the completion of your work or assignment.

For proofreading, I will check for:

  • spelling

  • punctuation

  • grammar

  • headings and subheadings

  • page numbers

  • chapter titles

  • spacing and line breaks

  • references

  • house style

  • consistency – in format, style, and content (including consistency in names and places, use of capitals, italics, abbreviations, numbers, dates, times, hyphenation, and layout).

For copyediting, in addition to the above, I will also check for:

  • organisation of material and structure

  • clarity

  • choice of words

  • ambiguity

  • repetition

  • errors of fact and contradiction

  • bias

  • libel

  • safety

  • I will mark-up heading codes, displayed quotations, lists, illustrations, tables, and captions.
    Any questions? Lets chat

If you’re not sure which service you need, please contact me on: +44 (0) 20 8191 1747