Services

I have listed below everything that I do when I copyedit and proofread. If you are unsure about which service you need, please get in touch via the “Contact me” page so that we can discuss your requirements.

Copyediting

When I copyedit your writing, I check each sentence, making sure that the language is clear and that sentences and paragraphs connect with each other logically and smoothly. This typically involves me doing the following tasks:

  • I check for consistency in spelling and punctuation use (e.g. UK or US spelling, -ise or -ize endings, double or single quotes, Oxford commas, etc.).

  • I correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

  • I flag unclear or wordy sentences and phrases, and I offer suggestions for how to rewrite them more clearly and engagingly.

  • I flag unhelpful, obtuse, or redundant words and phrases (e.g. jargon, “academese,” filler words, cliches, and stereotypes) and suggest better alternatives to keep your writing snappy, stylish, original, and coherent.

  • I point out places where the discussion does not flow as smoothly as it could, or possibly contradicts itself, and offer suggestions about reordering or reorganizing some paragraphs and/or sentences.

  • I have a good “ear” for sentence rhythm, so I offer suggestions as to how small changes can make your writing more “melodic” to read.

  • I highlight places where there appears to be some repetition (either words, phrases, or themes) and suggest edits to resolve these.

  • I check that your formatting (e.g. page numbers, font, line spacing, paragraph style, headings, etc.) is consistent throughout the document and that it is consistent with your requirements (e.g. publishers’ house style, university formatting guidelines).

  • I check that your reference list/bibliography is complete and that your references are correctly formatted according to your chosen referencing style.

  • I ensure that URLs are linked to the correct web source.

Proofreading

When I proofread your work, I check it word by word and line by line, looking for any remaining errors in formatting, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. This typically involves me checking that the following aspects of your writing are correct and consistent throughout the document:

  • Spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

  • Hyphenation style.

  •  Capitalization and italics. 

  • Incorrect use or overuse of certain words (I will suggest alternatives when necessary).

  • Quotations: formatting, punctuation, citations. 

  • Numbering style (e.g. written out vs. numerals, page ranges, ordinals, etc.).

  • Section headings.

  • Page, section, and chapter numbers.

  • Line spacing, text justification, font, and font size.

  • Paragraph style (e.g. indents, spaces before and after). 

  • Bullet point lists: formatting and punctuation.

  • Labels for illustrations and tables.

  • Citations, footnotes, endnotes: formatting and numbering.

  • Reference list formatting.

  • URL hyperlinks.

  • Adherence to publishers’ house style or university formatting regulations.

Depending on your project, there may also be additional things you want me to check, and we can discuss those when you get in touch with me.

When I copy edit and/or proofread a piece of writing, I use the “track changes” and comments functions in MS Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader - this lets you keep tabs on the edits and changes I make and to accept or reject my suggestions. It also allows me to work collaboratively and transparently with you in the editing and proofreading process. My aim is to make your writing as clear and engaging as possible, and I take care not to change or undermine your own writing voice. You will always have the final word!

No proofreader can guarantee that your writing will be 100% perfect and error free, but I do assure you that, once I have proofread your work, it will be as error free as possible.

I take the confidentiality of my clients very seriously, and am happy to sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement if required.