What I Do
HARD COPY PROOFREADING
The traditional "pen and paper" job of checking page proofs.
Most of my work in this area involves fiction novels that are being newly published as hardbacks, or are moving from hardback into paperback. I check the page proofs against the edited manuscript (for hardbacks or newly published paperbacks), or against the previous edition of the book (for reruns and paperback versions of existing books).
I also do "blind reads", where there is nothing to check against and the proofread is a fresh, eagle-eyed look at the page proofs.
EBOOK PROOFREADING
The newest area of publishing, where things are moving very quickly! I proofread fiction and non-fiction ebook files for several major publishers using Adobe or Kindle software, and compile a list of corrections in either Word or Excel format.
MANUSCRIPT PROOFREADING
This is a service I provide directly to pre-published or self-published authors, often before they submit their work to agents and/or publishers. This version of proofreading is done in Microsoft Word using the "Track Changes" function, although I occasionally do these reads on hard copy too, depending on the client's wishes.
I also offer an editorial critique service to authors. In addition to a standard proofread, this service includes comments and suggestions on structure, style, plot, story/character consistency, and strengths and weaknesses.
SOFTWARE AND DEVICES
I proofread using several different pieces of software, devices and programs. Here are the ones I work with regularly:
Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Reader
Amazon Kindle
Kindle for iPad
Kindle for Mac
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
. . . and good old pen and paper!
The traditional "pen and paper" job of checking page proofs.
Most of my work in this area involves fiction novels that are being newly published as hardbacks, or are moving from hardback into paperback. I check the page proofs against the edited manuscript (for hardbacks or newly published paperbacks), or against the previous edition of the book (for reruns and paperback versions of existing books).
I also do "blind reads", where there is nothing to check against and the proofread is a fresh, eagle-eyed look at the page proofs.
EBOOK PROOFREADING
The newest area of publishing, where things are moving very quickly! I proofread fiction and non-fiction ebook files for several major publishers using Adobe or Kindle software, and compile a list of corrections in either Word or Excel format.
MANUSCRIPT PROOFREADING
This is a service I provide directly to pre-published or self-published authors, often before they submit their work to agents and/or publishers. This version of proofreading is done in Microsoft Word using the "Track Changes" function, although I occasionally do these reads on hard copy too, depending on the client's wishes.
I also offer an editorial critique service to authors. In addition to a standard proofread, this service includes comments and suggestions on structure, style, plot, story/character consistency, and strengths and weaknesses.
SOFTWARE AND DEVICES
I proofread using several different pieces of software, devices and programs. Here are the ones I work with regularly:
Adobe Digital Editions
Adobe Reader
Amazon Kindle
Kindle for iPad
Kindle for Mac
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
. . . and good old pen and paper!