How The Process Works
Requests for ‘proofreading’ usually refer to copy-editing. In addition to checking for ‘typos’, I also adjust, within reason, punctuation, articles, word order, tenses, choice of vocabulary etc. I try to ensure that each sentence makes sense on its own. I don’t rewrite or paraphrase. Also, I don’t look at overall style, cohesion, coherence, structure, argument or inaccessible text in image files. I don’t assess the quality of your work, suggest significant changes or reduce your word count.
I aim to reduce any disadvantage you might have because English is not your first language; or, as a (near-)native speaker, you may just want a fresh pair of eyes to check your work. I offer proofreading and light copy-editing. I aim to be thorough and to offer competitive pricing and an efficient turnround, though of course that varies depending on how busy I am.
My pricing is based on your word count and the level of your English. My usual rate for 1,000 words of straightforward good quality prose is £10; that may increase for work of a more technical nature, e.g. design, legal, linguistics, management, marketing, maths, MBA, medical, ‘hard’ sciences etc. I may be able to offer you a better rate if you are at or very near native-speaker level. Once the word count and rate per 1,000 words are established, usually based on a sample of your work not proofread, I require full payment in advance (or a substantial deposit) from new customers (or an official order) before proceeding.
Payment methods include bank transfer, wise.com, Western Union and PayPal.
In the first instance, please click here to request a quote:
Once the above is agreed, send me a Word file and I will return your work showing suggested changes using the ‘Track Changes’ facility in Word. You will receive two files: SHOW, where you can see all the changes I have made; and HIDE, which is a ‘clean copy’ (all changes accepted). Please note though that it is up to you to check and accept or reject each suggested change in the SHOW file. Also, I may suggest that you check something again by highlighting it in yellow. Latex (e.g. Overleaf) is possible too.
If your work contains references, then please advise if you want me to check those; if so, tell me which referencing convention you are using or send a few sample references so that I can follow your pattern. I reserve the right to charge a higher rate for checking and/or amending references, as this can be a very time-consuming process, similarly for checking many small highlighted changes to an amended text.
Please feel free to ask any questions not already answered above or to seek any further clarification.