I will proofread any or all of the following documents: manuscripts, screenplays, papers, cover letters, résumés, short stories, novels, ads, newsletters, brochures/flyers and web page content.

​I have found typographical errors and misspellings in virtually every book that I have read. It is amazing to me that so many books reach the public with errors remaining in the text. It is my desire to make sure that my clients’ final manuscripts do not have any errors.

​Proofreading is the final step in the editing process. It’s the ultimate polish on your final files before they go to the printer or digital press. Ensuring that your text has no tiny errors in spelling or punctuation brings your writing to a level of professionalism required in the competitive publishing world.

​Proofreading requires a keen eye for detail and a systematic method in order to spot every subtle error and typographical mistake. But where can you find a meticulous proofreader with the right expertise to make sure your document is absolutely spotless? Look no further, I am a professional and I can help.

Proofreading is the process of correcting any errors on the proof—that is, the publication laid out to go to the printers, often created using InDesign or another design program. In this era of the computer, many proofs come by PDF and are marked up and edited electronically. Your document is carefully read through and marked up twice once on screen, then on paper. Changes marked up on the hardcopy are then transferred back to the electronic copy, which I return to you with changes tracked and comments raised where necessary. Ideally, as little change as possible happens to the text itself at this point.

It’s easier to spot mistakes on a printed copy, and this final check ensures the best result.

When proofreading your document I will complete the following:
 

•   Identify spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.
•   Check for consistency in spelling and hyphenation, using a style guide if supplied.
•   Read for clarity and sense and check for inconsistencies in the text.
•   Remove or suggest alternatives to awkward or confusing word, column, or page breaks.
•   Look for inconsistencies in the use of fonts, headings, paragraphs and layout.
•   Check cross-references, and check chapter headings with the table of contents.
•   Check references in the text against footnotes, endnotes etc.
•   Make sure that illustrations or tables and their captions match with each other and the text.

​Before I begin proofreading (for students):

• Please clarify if you are using -ise or -ize spellings.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that your academic institution allows you to use the services of a professional proofreader. Some universities will not allow this or will have restrictions on the work that can be undertaken. You may also have to declare that you have had your submitted work proofread. Any breach of your academic institution’s rules may result in very serious consequences for you. If your university has set guidelines for professional proofreaders, please send them to me. These guidelines will take precedence over the standard service I offer.
• Please send me your full and complete text on the agreed date and at the agreed time. If there is a delay in providing your work, I may need to return it to you later than had been agreed. Please let me know as soon as possible if you will not be able to send your work on time.
• You are responsible for the academic content of your work. I am not legally responsible if you are awarded a lower mark than you expected.
• I will not carry out substantial editing or restructuring to your work.
• I will do my utmost to ensure all files are correct and free of errors; however, I can offer no guarantee of this.

Authors write with their hearts

When an author is writing a story or manuscript, he or she is deeply involved in the development of the plot, the characters and the dialogue. This author is writing with a passion from the heart and is extremely close to the book. He or she is often not concerned with the mechanics. That is why the service of proofreading is so appropriate for the author or writer. This proofreading service ensures that these mechanics are addressed. I am not close to the work in the way the author is. I can proofread the book from the point of view of the reader.

​Impressions

Typos and other errors in your book, manuscript, article or paper give your reader a lasting poor impression of you. Most writers cannot see their errors. That is why all writers can benefit from proofreading services.

​Any job size

I do not limit the size of a job for these proofreading services. After your book has been proofread, you may have some advertising media, book cover blurbs, articles or other materials that you want to print. Make sure to contact me for these smaller jobs. I will be happy to edit and proofread even the smallest material.

​Submitting your files

Your files should be submitted as an attachment to an email in Word form. First contact me using the contact form. I will send you information about submitting your work. Make sure to keep a copy of your original. You can send the complete manuscript or you can send it in parts or chapters.

​Document formats I proofread include:

• Microsoft Word – corrections are made using the ‘Comments’ and ‘Track Changes’ functions, allowing you to see every change and choose to accept or reject each correction.
• Websites – corrections can be made either in Microsoft Word or directly through your content management system

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