Proofreading services
I provide several different types of proofreading, as described below.
If the type of project you’re looking to find a proofreader for does not fit into any of these categories, please contact me to discuss how I can help.
If the type of project you’re looking to find a proofreader for does not fit into any of these categories, please contact me to discuss how I can help.
PROOFREADING BOOKS FOR PUBLISHING COMPANIES
This used to be a traditional hard-copy job, involving red pens, blue pens, lots of sharpening of pencils, and regular trips to the Post Office counter. However, the Covid pandemic forced the publishing industry’s hand in moving most editorial jobs online, meaning the vast majority of proofreading is now done almost exclusively on-screen.
Most of my work involves proofreading fiction novels directly for publishing companies, either as newly published hardbacks or as offsets, reruns, and revises for books that are being published in paperback.
I check sets of page proofs against either the original edited manuscript (if the novel is brand new), the previous edition of the book (for reruns and the production of paperbacks for books previously published in hardback), or revised proofs from the editor, author, or another proofreader.
Additional checks include all front matter and backmatter, as well as keeping an eye on page layout, folio and chapter numbering, and the design and layout of photographic plate sections.
I also do blind reads, where there is a single set of page proofs or a manuscript file and no second file to check against.
MANUSCRIPT PROOFREADING FOR AUTHORS
This is a service I provide directly to authors who are already published – either traditionally or through self-publishing – as well as for authors who are not yet published and who may be preparing to submit their work to literary agents, publishers, or writing competitions.
This type of proofreading is done exclusively in Microsoft Word using the Track Changes function – although this type of read is very occasionally done in hard copy too, depending on the client’s wishes.
EBOOK PROOFREADING
This area of proofreading involves checking the files of fiction and non-fiction ebooks using Adobe or Kindle software, and compiling a list of corrections for the typesetting team. It is increasingly rare now that in-house ebook production processes have become so refined.
SOFTWARE AND DEVICES
I use several different pieces of software, devices, and programs while proofreading. The ones I work with most regularly are:
I’m always happy to revert to good old pen and paper (although this is now very much a proofreading throwback)!
This used to be a traditional hard-copy job, involving red pens, blue pens, lots of sharpening of pencils, and regular trips to the Post Office counter. However, the Covid pandemic forced the publishing industry’s hand in moving most editorial jobs online, meaning the vast majority of proofreading is now done almost exclusively on-screen.
Most of my work involves proofreading fiction novels directly for publishing companies, either as newly published hardbacks or as offsets, reruns, and revises for books that are being published in paperback.
I check sets of page proofs against either the original edited manuscript (if the novel is brand new), the previous edition of the book (for reruns and the production of paperbacks for books previously published in hardback), or revised proofs from the editor, author, or another proofreader.
Additional checks include all front matter and backmatter, as well as keeping an eye on page layout, folio and chapter numbering, and the design and layout of photographic plate sections.
I also do blind reads, where there is a single set of page proofs or a manuscript file and no second file to check against.
MANUSCRIPT PROOFREADING FOR AUTHORS
This is a service I provide directly to authors who are already published – either traditionally or through self-publishing – as well as for authors who are not yet published and who may be preparing to submit their work to literary agents, publishers, or writing competitions.
This type of proofreading is done exclusively in Microsoft Word using the Track Changes function – although this type of read is very occasionally done in hard copy too, depending on the client’s wishes.
EBOOK PROOFREADING
This area of proofreading involves checking the files of fiction and non-fiction ebooks using Adobe or Kindle software, and compiling a list of corrections for the typesetting team. It is increasingly rare now that in-house ebook production processes have become so refined.
SOFTWARE AND DEVICES
I use several different pieces of software, devices, and programs while proofreading. The ones I work with most regularly are:
- Adobe Acrobat
- PDF Reader Pro on iPad, with Apple Pencil
- Microsoft Word
I’m always happy to revert to good old pen and paper (although this is now very much a proofreading throwback)!
