“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.” – Mark Twain
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is the final phase in the editorial process and typically comes after the copyediting phase. It focuses on spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency, and accuracy.
When I proofread, I check for:
- Any mistakes that may have slipped through the copyediting phase
- Correct spelling
- Correct grammar
- Correct punctuation
- Consistency of hyphenation and capitalization
- Repeated or missing words
- Obvious facts (dates, names, places, etc.)
Why should you use a Proofreader?
Writers, regardless of experience or skill level, benefit from proofreaders for several reasons:
- Blindness to errors: After spending a lot of time crafting their work, writers develop a familiarity that can blind them to errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes become invisible, like furniture in a familiar room. Proofreaders offer fresh eyes, catching the overlooked mistakes.
- Objectivity and Expertise: Writers are invested in their ideas, creating a subjective lens that may miss inconsistencies. Proofreaders offer an objective perspective, ensuring clarity and adherence to style guides or specific industry standards.
- Maintaining credibility: Errors and inconsistencies weaken reader trust and credibility. Proofreaders help writers maintain professionalism through their expertise and attention to detail.
- Time-saving: By leaving the proofreading to a professional, writers can save time and focus on other aspects of their work, such as research, writing, and editing.
What do Proofreaders offer writers?
Proofreaders offer writers a range of services that enhance the quality and accuracy of their written work.
Here are some of the key benefits that I provide:
- Attention to detail: My keen eye for detail, enables me to catch errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and syntax that you may have missed.
- Language expertise: I have a strong understanding of language and grammar rules, which allows me to identify and correct errors that may affect the clarity of the content.
- Consistency: I ensure consistency in formatting, style, and tone throughout the text, which helps to maintain your brand and professional image.
- Fact-checking: I only verify basic facts, dates, and statistics to ensure the information presented is accurate and up-to-date.
- Style and tone: I help to maintain your unique style and tone, ensuring that the text remains consistent with your brand and voice.
- Professional polish: I add a professional polish to your book, making it more engaging, readable, and effective in communicating your message.
- Improved credibility: Working with me can improve your credibility and reputation, demonstrating a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
Documents I Work On:
*I work with American English only.
- Clean fiction (with a focus on Southern Fiction and Appalachian Fiction)
- Christian fiction & nonfiction
- Recipes
- Cookbooks
- Previously published books that need to be refined
Reference Books I Use:
I use The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.
If you have your own style sheet, please let me know.
How does this work?
For manuscripts, I will ask for a 1,000-word sample taken from somewhere in the middle of your book. This will allow me to see how complex the project is so I can give you an estimate. If everything is okay and the deadline and estimate are agreed upon, I will send you a contract to sign. Then I will get started working on your project. (I charge by the word so you can stay on budget! However, a more complex document that needs a lot of work will cost more.)
I will Proofread your document in Microsoft Word using Track Changes, which will allow you to either accept or reject my changes.
Proofreading takes time, so please be patient. I go through the document more than once, first checking for errors, and then formatting. If you wish, I will keep you updated on my progress.
Once the project is complete, I will send you an invoice. After receiving the final payment, I will deliver your completed project.
You will receive:
1. Two Track Changes files: one with edits and comments visible and one with edits accepted for ease of reading.
2. Honest editing suggestions.
3. A strengthened document that supports your credibility.
4. A cheerleader and advocate for your book/project.
How much does it cost?
I charge $0.02 per word*. Includes one complimentary revision.
Cookbooks are $5 per page.
Prices are quoted in USD.
*More complex documents may cost more.