Why should I choose Clearlingo?
I am a professional, qualified proofreader and editor. As owner and operator of Clearlingo I am committed to making sure your manuscript is the best it can be and fits your goals for your book. I am flexible to discuss your needs, and the service is tailored to suit you and your style of writing.
What types of documents can be proofread or copy-edited?
I will proofread or copy-edit:
- Fiction (novels, short stories, poetry, etc.)
- Non-fiction writing (in a range of genres)
- Family histories/memoirs
- Cookbooks
- Any other written material you need checking …
What types of documents can be converted to e-book file formats?
Any Word document can be converted to EPUB and MOBI e-book file formats. These can be in any genre. The document should not include more than 10 images. It can include hyperlinks and footnotes.
What type of documents can be localised into New Zealand English?
Any Word document in a variation of English can be localised to New Zealand English. This includes documents on software, websites, marketing material, technical documents, handbooks, technological documents, consumer products.
What is the process?
I am flexible to suit your needs. If you are not sure exactly what you require, you can send through a sample of your work or contact me to discuss it further. I am also happy to do a sample edit of up to 500 words to see if we are a good fit.
I will send you a quote based on our discussion and your sample.
By confirming you would like to go ahead with the quote, you also accept the Terms and Conditions. This will serve as a binding contract between you (‘the client’) and me, Marja Stack of Clearlingo.
For proofreading, copy-editing or localisation, I will send the completed document with suggestions and comments. It is then up to you to accept or reject any changes or suggestions. This gives you, the author, control of the final product. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
For e-book conversion, I will send an EPUB file for the client's approval before finalising the file and converting to MOBI file format.
I will send the invoice to you for payment within fourteen (14) days of the date on the invoice.
I'm happy to check any changes you have made after I have completed the editing or proofreading. However, there will be a further charge and it will need to be booked into my schedule.
I will send you a quote based on our discussion and your sample.
By confirming you would like to go ahead with the quote, you also accept the Terms and Conditions. This will serve as a binding contract between you (‘the client’) and me, Marja Stack of Clearlingo.
For proofreading, copy-editing or localisation, I will send the completed document with suggestions and comments. It is then up to you to accept or reject any changes or suggestions. This gives you, the author, control of the final product. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
For e-book conversion, I will send an EPUB file for the client's approval before finalising the file and converting to MOBI file format.
I will send the invoice to you for payment within fourteen (14) days of the date on the invoice.
I'm happy to check any changes you have made after I have completed the editing or proofreading. However, there will be a further charge and it will need to be booked into my schedule.
How long will it take?
I will discuss your time frames with you and make sure you receive the completed work on or before the agreed deadline. In order to ensure deadlines are met, please make your booking as early as possible so that I can allocate enough time to complete your work.
Note: It takes much longer to copy-edit or proofread than zipping through a good novel. I typically read through a manuscript twice, slowly, stopping often to check facts or inconsistencies.
Note: It takes much longer to copy-edit or proofread than zipping through a good novel. I typically read through a manuscript twice, slowly, stopping often to check facts or inconsistencies.
Can you use an existing style manual?
Yes, if you have an existing style manual I will use this. Otherwise I may create one, depending on the scope of the work, and send this to you with the finished job for future reference.
Is confidentiality guaranteed?
Yes, all work received is treated with utmost respect and confidentiality. No information will be shared without the client’s written consent.
How much will it cost?
My rates depend on the level of proofreading or copy-editing you require and may depend on the number of changes needed. See the Rates page or contact me for a quote and further information.
I don’t live in New Zealand. Can you still provide your services to me?
Yes. As all work is done electronically, I can provide my services from anywhere in the world. I am based in New Zealand but can check your document in both British and American English.
As a native speaker of English and also fluent in Dutch, I understand the difficulties of writing in a non-native language. I can help you make your English-language document or website sound natural to an English-speaking market.
All quotes and accounts are in your own currency (based on the conversion on the day of writing) and paid through my Paypal account (some fees may apply).
As a native speaker of English and also fluent in Dutch, I understand the difficulties of writing in a non-native language. I can help you make your English-language document or website sound natural to an English-speaking market.
All quotes and accounts are in your own currency (based on the conversion on the day of writing) and paid through my Paypal account (some fees may apply).
How do I send you my document?
You can send it by email, website link, or on a storage device in the mail. Contact me for my postal address. I also have OneDrive and Dropbox accounts through which you can send larger files.
How do you proofread my electronic document?
I edit Microsoft Word documents using the Comments and Track Changes functions. This allows you to visualise any suggestions made, and to accept or reject changes. In this way all final decisions rest with the you, the author. However, I do not assume any liability for any repercussions should my advice not be taken or if changes are made after I have returned the manuscript to you. It will also mean, that you will need to allow time to go through the document once I return it to you.
How do I pay you?
My bank account number will be included on the invoice for direct debit. I also have a PayPal account for clients outside New Zealand.
When do you expect payment?
Bookings accepted more than 30 days prior to the agreed start date:
Bookings accepted within 30 days of the agreed start date:
- Booking fee: A NON-REFUNDABLE booking fee of 10% of the total for all services scheduled more than one month in advance of the project start date will be due at the time the client agrees to the quote and the terms and conditions. The booking fee will be deducted from the final invoice. A space in my schedule is not reserved until this fee has cleared.
- Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the total value of the project will be due 14 days prior to the agreed start date.
- Balance: Payment of the balance is due 14 days after the return of the completed manuscript.
Bookings accepted within 30 days of the agreed start date:
- Deposit: A deposit of 50% of the total value of the project will be due at the time the client agrees to the quote and the terms and conditions.
- Balance: Payment of the balance is due 14 days after the return of the completed manuscript.
- In the case of a late payment, a one-off fee of $25 incl. GST will be added to the invoice. In addition, interest calculated monthly will be charged at the rate of 2% per month or part thereof.
- All third-party costs in relation to collecting overdue accounts will be added to the invoice.
- I shall be entitled to retain possession of the work undertaken for you until I have been paid in full for my work.
- All original content remains the copyright of the client. However, I retain copyright on edited material until the invoice is paid in full, at which time I relinquish the copyright to you.
- Payment may be received by direct bank deposit or PayPal. Some fees may apply and will be itemised on the invoice.
- In the case of a delayed payment, the start date of the project may be delayed. I will not be held responsible for deadlines not being met due to late payment.