What’s the difference between proofreading and copyediting?
Proofreading is the final quality check before publication. I’ll correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency and formatting errors while making only minimal changes to the text itself.
Copyediting goes further. As well as correcting errors, I’ll look at clarity, flow, readability, repetition, continuity, factual accuracy and consistency, with comments and suggestions where something may need attention.
If you’re not sure which service you need, send me a sample and I’ll be happy to advise.
What kinds of books do you work on?
I work across a broad range of fiction, with particular experience in crime, psychological thrillers and historical fiction, alongside horror and speculative fiction.
I’ve also worked on romance, fantasy, adventure, memoir and other genres, so if your project falls outside my main specialisms, please feel free to get in touch.
Do you work with publishers as well as independent authors?
Yes. I work with publishers, bestselling and award-winning authors, and independent writers.
I regularly undertake freelance editorial work for publishers and am equally happy working directly with authors preparing a manuscript for publication.
How much does it cost?
Proofreading costs from £12 per 2,500 words and copyediting from £16 per 2,500 words. Registered charities and Blue Light Card holders receive a 17% discount on the total price.
Why ‘from’?
Every manuscript is different, so the final price depends on the work required. Once I’ve reviewed a sample of your manuscript, I’ll be able to confirm the cost. Unlike some editors, I don’t have a minimum charge, and the price is fixed upfront so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
Do you offer a sample?
Yes. I can provide a free sample copyedit or proofread with your quote so you can see the kind of changes, corrections and comments I would make before deciding whether to book.
Reviewing a sample also helps me assess the level of work required and provide an accurate fixed quote.
Will you change my writing style or voice?
No. My aim is to make your book the best version it can be without changing what makes it yours.
I’ll improve clarity, consistency and readability where needed, but I won’t rewrite your work in my own voice or impose stylistic preferences simply because I would have written something differently.
How will I see the changes you make?
I work primarily in Microsoft Word using Track Changes.
This means you can see every amendment I make and accept or reject individual changes. I also use comments to explain edits, raise queries and flag anything that may need your attention.
I can also carry out proofreading in Adobe Acrobat using the built-in commenting and markup tools.
Do you work in UK and US English?
Yes. I work in both UK and US English and can follow the appropriate spelling, punctuation and style conventions for your project.
I can also work to a publisher’s house style or an agreed style guide where required.
Do you check facts and continuity?
Yes. I check for factual and continuity issues as part of both copyediting and proofreading, including inconsistencies involving names, dates, timelines, ages, locations and character details.
In a copyedit, I may correct straightforward inconsistencies where the intended meaning is clear, or query anything that needs the author’s input.
In a proofread, I take a lighter-touch approach: I’ll flag possible inconsistencies or factual concerns rather than making substantive changes to the manuscript.
What experience do you have?
I’ve worked as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader since the end of 2020 and have now worked on 200+ published books.
My clients include publishers, bestselling and award-winning authors, and independent writers, with many returning for multiple projects.
Selected authors I’ve worked with include Luke Jennings, Michael Ridpath, Nicola Cornick, Rob Sinclair, Keri Beevis and Shaun Hutson.
Do you have editorial training?
Yes. I’ve completed professional editorial training, and most of my expertise has been developed through hands-on experience across 200+ published books and ongoing work with publishers and authors. I also have a degree in English.
Can you check foreign-language text?
Yes, but it will depend on the language and the level of checking required.
I can check formatting, consistency and obvious issues in foreign-language passages where appropriate, but I won’t claim fluency or make substantive corrections in a language I don’t speak. Where specialist linguistic knowledge is needed, I may recommend that the text is checked by a native speaker or translator.
Do you offer formatting or typesetting?
At present, my core services are copyediting and proofreading.
If your project also needs specialist formatting, typesetting or ebook production, please get in touch and I’ll let you know whether I can help.
Is my manuscript confidential?
Yes. Your manuscript and project information are treated as confidential and are not shared with third parties without your permission, except where necessary to provide an agreed service. Before any work begins, you’ll receive a copy of my non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for peace of mind.
Files are stored securely and handled only for the purposes of completing your project.
How far in advance should I book?
My diary often fills several months ahead, particularly for full-length novels, so it’s always worth contacting me as early as possible.
Shorter projects may sometimes be accommodated sooner depending on scope and availability. If you already have a deadline in mind, please include it when you get in touch.
How long will the work take?
That depends on the word count, the service required and the level of work involved.
When I provide your quote, I’ll also confirm the proposed start and completion dates so you know exactly when to expect the finished work.
How do I get a quote?
Please use the contact form to send me your word count, the service you’re looking for, your preferred timescale and a sample of the manuscript.
I’ll review the sample, confirm the appropriate service and provide a fixed quote before you decide whether to proceed.
