TEXTBOOK? TRAINING SLIDES? BUSINESS REPORT?
Everything you write has a purpose and a target audience. Its quality speaks to your credibility and fosters trust.
Is it correct?
I read for accuracy in spelling, punctuation, grammar and technical content.
Is your language clear and unambiguous?
I read for clarity of meaning and purpose.
Is it consistent and appropriate for your audience?
I read for consistency of language and register.
Let me take care of it
Whether you're writing for young learners, your customers or employees, or third-party organisations, I can take care of it.
PROOFREADING
Proofreading is the final quality check before written text, in any form, is published. It's the last opportunity to correct errors and clarify meaning before other people see it.
The basics
When proofreading your document, I will:
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ensure that spelling and punctuation is correct and applied consistently – in line with your style guide, if you have one
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check for grammatical sense, identifying and resolving ambiguity of meaning.
Everything else
But there is much more to proofreading than correcting spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Here’s a list of what I can be up to on any given day:
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Ensuring that spelling and punctuation is correct and applied consistently
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Checking for grammatical sense, and identifying and resolving ambiguity of meaning
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Ensuring that language is appropriate for the intended audience
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Reviewing typographical features, including layout and formatting, for consistency and conformity with house style
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Confirming that numbered sequences, cross-references and other references are correct
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Cross-checking tables of contents, section and chapter headings and running heads
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Checking the positioning and labelling of artwork
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Ensuring the cultural sensitivity of all language and artwork
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Reviewing language and artwork to ensure that they meet clients’ equality, diversity and inclusion requirements
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Sourcing and logging artwork
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Raising queries clearly and efficiently and ensuring that they are cleared before proofs are returned
getting it right
PROOF-EDITING
In traditional publishing, the cost of late corrections means that proofreaders only make changes where necessary, and strictly in line with an agreed brief.
Proof-editing allows for a greater degree of editorial intervention than proofreading. It’s a process of improving a written text, going beyond error-correction to address matters such as clarity, style and voice.
When proof-editing, I can suggest changes to word usage and sentence structure, helping you to make your words hit home.
making it better
We truly value his rigorous attention to detail and his ability to understand the importance of the writer’s unique voice and the needs of the audience. We love having him as an essential part of our core team.
The Art of Work
Fantastic service! Gives me the confidence to express my opinions online while offering the option of an extra polish where needed. Speedy and reliable turnaround. I couldn't ask for more.
The Movie Grump, film review blog
HOW I WORK
I can tailor my working methods to suit your needs. I work on screen or on paper, 'blind' or against copy. I am proficient in the use of British Standards Institution (BSI) proof-correction symbols.
I mark up Word documents using Track Changes and Comments.
For PDF mark-up I use Annotations and Comments.
IT'S YOUR WORK. YOU HAVE THE FINAL SAY
You retain full control over which of my changes to accept and which to reject.
GET IN TOUCH
How can I help? Email me your requirements to receive a free, personalised quote.
I'm always happy to talk on the phone, but please email first to arrange a mutually convenient time.