Book editing and proofreading
​​If your writing looks polished and professional, so do you.
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​Whether you are writing a company portfolio, an informative book, a guide or a cookbook, you want it to reflect well on you (and your business). And it needs to flow, make sense and be accurate.
I can help you be confident your book is ready for publication.
Proofreading service
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Proofreading is the final check of your book. I make sure the work looks polished and professional.
​Proofreading is the final step before publication, after all other levels of editing have been completed. -
The traditional meaning of proofreading is checking the PDF proofs designed by the printer before the book goes to print.
I can help with this too – please ask.
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My proofreading service should come after a copyedit has been completed. It includes:
correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
checking for correct word and style choices
fixing consistency, including fonts, page numbers, headings, line spacing and numbers
formatting using Word Styles so all parts of the document look consistent
checking and correctly formatting citations and references.
Proofreading does not include copyediting (unless a sentence is grammatically incorrect, it won't be changed for style reasons). If extensive changes are needed, I'll discuss this with you first.
Proofreading also does not include indexing, page layout or design, or seeking permissions.
Create an engaging non-fiction book
Once you've finished writing your book and revised it as much as you can, it's time to enhance the writing and check the details.
This is where I can help.
I will work with you to make sure your writing flows, the message is clear and in the right tone, the details are consistent and well organised, and the spelling and grammar are correct – ready for printing. I'll help make your writing a pleasure to read, while staying true to your style and its intended purpose.
I recommend copyediting first, and then proofreading, but we can discuss what suits you and your project.
Copyediting service
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Copyediting enhances the writing so readers understand the intended message in the style required.
Once your document or book has the best structure you can give it, it's ready for copyediting.
Copyediting gets into the nitty-gritty of the writing, and I go over your text with a fine-tooth comb.
Readers are picky. Many things can make a reader disregard your content – inconsistencies, sentences that don't flow, information that isn't clear, factual errors or a book that doesn't look professional.
This is where I can help. But don't worry – I make sure to keep your writing true to your style.
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I tailor my package to your project, but a standard copyediting includes:
checking that the content is complete, clear and easy to follow
checking for correct sentence and paragraph structure and phrasing
suggesting changes to vocabulary
revising for consistency and appropriateness of language
adapting the tone of the content for the target audience
formatting so headings and paragraphs look consistent
checking for accuracy – misquotations, factual errors, misspelt names, incorrect numbers and incomplete references
flagging any instances of plagiarism, breach of copyright, libel, obscenity or incitement to racial hatred (though responsibility for these remains with the writer and publisher)
Copyediting does not include extensive rewriting or restructuring, ghostwriting, proofreading, text or cover design, indexing, research, copyright permissions or project management.
Contact me now for professional book editing
Tell me a little about your book, including what it is about, your goal for publishing it, your target audience and any deadlines.