Do I need a proofreader?

If you are a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral student, or an academic lecturer, writing an essay, dissertation, thesis or book chapter or manuscript, and English is not your first language, then you may be at a disadvantage. You probably want the help of a proofreader who can not only spot and correct typos, but also help to make your text flow better, i.e. copy-editing. This includes choice of words/vocabulary, correct word order, correct use of tenses. If your sentences are too long and complex or complicated, a good proofreader can also help you with that.

And even if English is your first language, so that you are a native speaker, a proofreader may still be able to help you make small or fine adjustments to your text, so that it flows better. Perhaps you are not sure how to use apostrophes, you can get help with those, too.

With professional help you may get a better mark or grade for your essay, dissertation or thesis; or a better response from your book publisher; or even a better response to your sales or promotional material if you are in business. Good proofreading and copy-editing can make the difference between passing and failing an exam; the level of your degree; whether or not you get a distinction; if you need to make many, or any, corrections after a PhD viva. And all that of course can boost and improve your long-term job and career prospects.