What’s the difference between proofreading and copyediting?
Proofreading is a detailed check of a document for any errors – that means looking for incorrect word usage, checking the grammar and punctuation, making sure formatting is consistent, checking references, and many other things besides. Copyediting involves all of the above but also includes editing the document to help the text flow better or to improve readability. A full breakdown of what’s included in both services can be found here.
How much does it cost?
Proofreading costs £12 per 2500 words and copyediting costs £16 per 2500 words. For students, registered charities and Blue Light Card holders, there’s a 17% discount off your total price.
Why so low? What’s the catch?
There’s no catch! I have low overheads so I can offer my high-quality services at such great rates. And while some editors have a minimum charge, I don’t – and I fix the price upfront, so you know exactly what it will cost you.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No, you only pay once the document has been returned to you. My payment terms are end of next calendar month.
Where can I read some reviews of your services?
Right here in the testimonials area.
Are you qualified?
Yes. I’m professionally trained and a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, so you can be assured of quality work. If you’re working on a book, I offer a free, no obligation sample edit of 2500 words so you can ‘try before you buy’. Oh, I also have a degree in English from the Open University. Almost forgot to mention that!
How long does it take and how quickly can you start?
This depends on the size of the document and whether it needs proofing or editing. I can usually fit smaller documents (essays, blogs etc.) into my diary within 1-2 weeks (sometimes even the same day) but for books it may require a slightly longer lead time of 4-5 weeks. I’ll let you know when you enquire.
When you look at a document, do you judge someone’s spelling or grammar?
Absolutely not. My job is to help your writing shine, not make judgements.
Really?
Yes, really! When it comes to writing in English, we all have different backgrounds so I’d rather focus my time on improving your work than judging a misplaced apostrophe.
Great, because I hate using apostrophes and usually get them wrong.
This blog post might help! Or just leave them to me to sort out.
What dictionaries or reference books do you use?
I subscribe to the online Oxford English Dictionary and I also use New Hart’s Rules for grammar/stylistic stuff and the Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors. For US-based texts, I use Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual of Style.
Do you specialise in anything in particular?
I’ve worked on all kinds of material, both as proofreader and editor. I’ve done horror, sci-fi, modern fiction, crime, business book, memoir, and hundreds (literally!) of student essays and training presentations. I’m widely read in a variety of genres which I think helps provide even better service (I even wrote a blog on that very subject), and you can find a list of the books I’ve worked on over in the books gallery. I’ve also undertaken inclusivity and sensitivity training to improve my services.
Inclusivity and sensitivity? What’s that all about?
In a nutshell it means looking for things like biased and gendered language, language related to race or sexuality, ableist language, and potentially outdated or offensive references that could be improved upon by switching the vocabulary. It’s still your choice whether you want to retain anything that I identify or not, I’m just flagging it for your attention.
I’m a first-time writer and I’m worried you’ll change too much or edit out my favourite bits of the story.
This is a valid concern, but don’t worry – you have ultimate control. Every change is tracked and annotated so you can decide whether to apply an edit or not. We can also have regular online meetings to discuss progress and why I’ve recommended certain changes.
What about my ‘style’ or ‘voice’? I’m worried my creativity will be sacrificed to the gods of grammar.
Don’t worry! Maintaining your unique style is part of the process and is something we’ll discuss upfront. I know that the ‘rules’ are meant to be broken, and stifling creativity is the last thing that I want to do.
I use foreign language in my writing, can you check that it’s correct?
Absolutely! I’m fluent in French and German so that’s covered, and I have a basic knowledge of Japanese and several language partners that would help me with anything I don’t understand. For anything else, I use professional translators who are native speakers – absolutely no Google Translate!
Can you help me format and publish my book?
Not right now, but watch this space!
Will my data be safe when I send it to you?
Yes, absolutely. All data is stored in OneDrive’s ‘Secure Vault’ with two-factor authentication turned on. And in terms of your content, everything is covered by my standard non-disclosure agreement and nothing gets shared with the outside world (i.e. book covers, marketing material etc.) without your consent.
Did you know there’s a typo on your website?
Really? Where??!
Just kidding.
Phew <wipes sweat from brow>. But seriously, if you do spot a typo somewhere, then let me know. It will be embarrassing (of course) but us proofreaders and copyeditors are only human, after all! As Dali said, ‘Don’t fear perfection; you’ll never reach it.’
This all sounds great – how can I get in touch?
Contact details are here; just fill out the form, send me an e-mail, or give me a call!
And what if I have a question you haven’t answered here?
Same as above – just send me a message with your question and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible!
The Polished Page 