Proofreading corrects any remaining errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. It is the final quality control check after your manuscript has been formatted for publishing.
Proofreading is perfect for writers who:
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have been through some form of a developmental edit and copyedit
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have formatted their manuscript for publishing and need a final check for any remaining errors​​
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During my proofreading passes, I correct indisputable errors in:
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spelling, grammar, and punctuation
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formatting and layout
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consistency
Layout issues and mechanical errors can be introduced during the formatting stage, which is why a proofreader is critical to the publishing process.
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Common formatting issues include inconsistent formatting, spacing issues, and the introduction of widows and orphans (lines or words that appear on separate pages from the paragraphs they belong to).
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I follow the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th edition, and the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary—both industry standards. If you use another style guide or preferred dictionary that is not listed on your style sheet (or if you do not already have a style sheet), please let me know.
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A note on error catch rates.
Pobody is nerfect.
That goes for editors, too.
The highest industry standard catch rate is 95%. Many factors contribute to this number: manuscript quality, number of passes, deadlines, and budgets.
Once the manuscript is out of the editor's hands, they have no more responsibility for new errors that might be introduced or errors an author chooses not to accept.
Often, "errors" can also be a matter of style. What one editor considers an error, another might stet.
The Process
1
Discovery
Reach out to start chatting about your project!
2
Sample Edit & Quote
I provide free sample edits so we can both make sure we are a good fit for each other. Your quote will be based on this sample edit and what I learned during discovery.
3
Contract
If you agree to my quote, we will both sign a contract. I will send you an invoice for your deposit to book you into my calendar.
4
Send Me Your Manuscript
You will send your full manuscript and any related documents before your project start date.
5
Pass #1
I will proofread your manuscript via Track Changes or PDF annotations. This pass will focus on formatting and layout issues.
6
Pass #2
I will continue proofreading your manuscript, focusing on content during this pass.
7
Final Payment
While I perform the second pass on your manuscript, I will send you an invoice for final payment.
8
Deliverables
I will send your final manuscript with changes show and a "clean" version. Your book is now ready to be published!
9
Author Review / Final Pass
If agreed upon in our contract, you will have time allotted to review the proofread changes and request a final pass if necessary.
FAQ
What's the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Copyediting is sentence-level editing that checks for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and word usage. It also checks for and maintains consistency in the story and writing style.
Proofreading is a final check that no mechanical errors have remained after copyediting and that no other errors have been introduced during formatting and layout for publishing. Unlike copyediting, proofreading is not subjective and does not include making editorial decisions or rewriting any part of the manuscript.
How long does proofreading take?
This depends on the length of your manuscript, the types of editing it has been through prior to proofreading, and any deadlines. I will discuss this in detail with you during the discovery process.
How much does proofreading cost?
This also depends on the length of your manuscript and the level of proofing required.
My proofreading rate begins at $0.008 per word.
I do offer payment plans, and I try to work with authors when I can. Please never feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing rates with me!
I use UK English in my writing. Do you only work with US English?
I have training in both US and UK English. I can also access other style guides, such as Fowler's or New Oxford Style Manual, and dictionaries, such as Cambridge Dictionary for UK English or Macquarie Dictionary for Australian English.
I have seen writers who use UK English spelling with US punctuation rules. You're the boss! Tell me during discovery what your preferred dictionary and style guide is, and I'll take care of the rest.
I have a book cover design ready for publication. Will you proofread this too?
Absolutely!
I always advise proofreading clients to have all elements of their book formatted and ready before I begin proofreading. This would include the book covers (front, back, and spine, if printing), front matter, and any back matter.
If it is your first time publishing and you are unsure what should be included in your book, I am more than happy to go over this in detail with you.