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'll 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, then proofreading, but we can discuss what suits you and your project.

Copyediting for books

What is copyediting?

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.

What the copyediting service includes

• checking that the content and structure are complete, clear and easy to follow
• checking for correct sentence and paragraph structure and phrasing
• making or 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 that images support the text, with clear captions
• 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.

Proofreading for books

What is proofreading?

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.

What is traditional proofreading?

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.

What the proofreading service 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.

How I work with you

1

Contact me to discuss what you need

​Tell me about your book, including target audience, subject area, purpose and deadline.
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2

Email the manuscript to me
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I'll need to see the full manuscript to gauge the level of editing required, the number of changes needed and how technical the writing is. Confidentiality is 100% guaranteed.

3

Get a free quote


​I will tailor a package for you and provide a free quote.​

4

Receive your revised manuscript
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​Once you've agreed to the quote, I'll work on your manuscript and return it by the agreed deadline. You can then go over the suggestions and comments before returning it to me for a final proofread, if booked.