Why do I need a proofreader?
It is difficult to properly proofread your own work because, as the author, you are so familiar with the text. Consequently, when you read your work back, your brain often interprets what it expects to see rather than what is actually there. For example, you may find yourself missing the most obvious of typos, or you may not realise that you have used hyphenation inconsistently for certain words throughout your text. An experienced proofreader will spot those annoying errors and inconsistencies straightaway.
Is proofreading the same as copy-editing?
No. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, proofreading and copy-editing involve different levels of editorial intervention. In addition to checking spelling, grammar and punctuation, a copy-editor ensures that written material that is going to be published is free from errors, ambiguities, contradictions, repetition and inconsistencies. A copy-editor may also suggest the addition of headings, lists or bullet points to improve the readability of the material. They ensure that the organisation and logical flow of the material is appropriate and that the writing style is suitable for the intended audience. They may also look for potential problems with copyright and plagiarism.
Proofreading is normally carried out once the material has been copy-edited. It can be considered the final quality control check of your document prior to publishing or forwarding on to your client. The proofreader looks for any errors and omissions that may have been overlooked during the copy-editing process. A proofreader will not alter the content, context or style of your material and they will not rewrite your text. Straightforward proofreading should not be used as a substitute for copy-editing for works of fiction. If you feel that your work needs substantial revision, you may need a copy-editor’s services.
Why can’t I just use my spell checker?
When checking your work, you should never rely solely on your spell checker. Your spell checker will not always alert you to a correctly spelt word used incorrectly in a sentence (e.g. ‘form’ instead of “from”, ‘desert’ instead of ‘dessert’), or the right words written in the wrong order. It will not always tell you when you have used the wrong tense in a sentence, and it will not always pick up homophones: words which have the same pronunciation but have different spellings and meanings (e.g. ‘write’ and ‘right’, ‘vain’ and ‘vein’, ‘sight’, ‘site’ and ‘cite’).
Will you make substantial changes to my text?
As a professional proofreader, I have been trained to respect the author’s voice. Therefore, I will not rewrite your text or make benign substitutions or corrections. I will only make changes to your text that are absolutely necessary to improve its readability.
Can you guarantee that my edited article will be completely error-free?
No professional proofreader, regardless of experience and training, should ever guarantee that your edited text will be perfect. I always aim to ensure that all editing work is completed to the highest possible standard. However, I am only human at the end of the day. Thus, even with the best of intentions and due diligence when carrying out my editing services, mistakes can occasionally be made. It is also important to note that while some editing errors will be glaringly obvious and not open to dispute, others will be subjective. No two editors will make changes to your text in quite the same way: while one editor may flag something as needing revision, another may disagree and say that no revision is needed.
In what type of file format do you accept work for editing?
I usually work on-screen in Microsoft Word using the track changes tool. However, I can also edit Microsoft PowerPoint slides, Google Docs and PDFs (for the latter, either using the comment and mark-up tools or stamps of the British Standards Institution (BSI) correction symbols). I can also work on hard copy (blind or against copy) using the BSI correction symbols.
Note that I do not currently accept editing work in LaTeX format.
Can you proofread my thesis/dissertation?
I do not proofread anything that is intended to be submitted for examination or assessment.
How do you receive work?
My preferred methods of receiving a project are either by email attachment or via Dropbox. However, I am able to work on hard copy if necessary. In this case, return postage and packaging costs will be factored into my overall fee for the project.
Can you visit your clients for face-to-face meetings, and are you available to work in-house for projects if necessary?
I work on a fully remote basis. All communication with clients is performed via email and telephone conversation. I am also happy to use video-conferencing facilities such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom if necessary.
How much do you charge for your services?
My rates are based on the CIEP’s suggested minimum rates. However, as no two projects are ever the same it is not possible to produce a general price list for my services. My rates depend on the type, level of intervention required, word count and required turnaround time of the project. I charge per 1000 words, per hour or an agreed flat fee for my editing services. Quotations are given only after I have seen a representative sample of the work.
How long does it take you to proofread a document?
The time taken to proofread a document depends on the word count and the level of intervention required. Generally, the turnaround time for a 5000 word document is one day.
How do you accept payment?
For company clients, payment is due within 30 days of completion and is accepted by bank transfer. For private clients, I request part payment in advance.
Can you accept payment in instalments?
Yes. In these circumstances I will proofread your document in sections and invoice you for each completed section. Once I receive payment of your invoice, I will then move on to proofreading the next section, and so on.
What happens if I change my mind once you have started work on my document?
In the event that you cancel the contract once I have begun work on the document, I will invoice you for the relevant percentage of the agreed rate for the work already completed.
Does your academic manuscript editing service guarantee that my article will be accepted by my target journal?
While I will endeavour to ensure that your article is in the best shape possible for submission with regards to grammar, punctuation, readability and formatting, etc, I cannot guarantee acceptance by your target journal. However, if in the unlikely event your article is rejected due to poor use of the English language, I will re-edit your article free of charge.
Does your academic manuscript editing service include commenting on the content/argument in my journal article?
While I will ensure that your article contains all the necessary elements (e.g. abstract, introduction, methods, results, conclusion, reference list) in the correct order prior to submission to your target journal, I will not pass comment or give my opinion on your findings/argument.
Does your academic manuscript editing service include assistance with my reviewer responses and cover letter?
I am able to edit your reviewer responses and cover letter; however, I am unable to offer assistance with formulating your responses and the actual writing of your cover letter. I will not pass comment on your responses to reviewers.
Please note that editing your responses to reviewers and your cover letter will not automatically guarantee acceptance of your article by your target journal.