Working together
You’ve put in time and hard work crafting your writing. The final step is getting the message across effectively to your audience.
When you first contact me, it would be very helpful if you could provide a few details about your document:
What editing stages has it been through?
Is it fiction or non-fiction?
What format is it in (e.g., Word or PDF)?
What is the word count?
Does the text have additional features (figures, tables, references, etc.)?
When would you like the proofreading completed by?
What is proofreading?
Proofreading takes place when a document has reached the last stage before publication. The text will have gone through the different stages of editing (e.g. development editing and copyediting/line editing) and now a typesetter or designer has produced the final layout. This is known as a proof and is usually in PDF format. At the proofreading stage, the focus is on giving the text its final polish and making sure it is in an excellent state to be published. The proofreader focuses on finding any problems with the layout or design. They will also look for anything that may have been missed during copyediting. In addition, they check for any errors introduced at the typesetting stage. The type of mark up that the proofreader uses on the PDF will depend on the requirements of the client. At this last stage before publication, changes should only be made if absolutely necessary.
Proofreading a sample
I’d like you to send me a sample of 500–1,000 words from the middle of your text. I’ll then work through the sample free of charge. Once I’ve done this, I can assess how many hours it will take to work on the whole document. Your personalised quote will then be sent to you. If you are happy to go ahead, we can then start the project.
What does proofreading usually cost?
My hourly fee is calculated using the rates suggested by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). If you require a very quick turnaround, then my quote will take this into account. Please find out more by visiting the CIEP website.
How will the changes needed be shown on the text?
The client will choose their preferred format e.g. PDF or MS Word. Then the changes can be marked:
on paper (using the BSI standard proofreading marks).
on PDFs by annotating with text mark up and commenting tools.
on PDFs by using stamps to replicate the BSI standard proofreading marks.
in Microsoft Word (using track changes and comment boxes).