Services

I am willing to work on most documents, for example:

I can copy-edit or proofread your document, depending on your requirements. After discussion on what is required for a job, I will check for all or any of the following:

  • Accuracy of grammar, punctuation, spelling and capitalisation

  • Existence of ambiguities, inconsistencies, or awkward phrases or sentences

  • Adherence to house style, especially in respect of references/bibliography, and footnotes/endnotes

  • Accuracy and consistency of information, where appropriateAppropriate layout, formatting, structure and level of text

I can work on hard copy or onscreen, or on a combination of both. Even if a job mainly comprises checking hard copy, I can automate some checks onscreen using Perfectit and Reference Checker.

If a job mainly comprises working onscreen, I can use Word, Adobe Acrobat and WinEdt (for LaTeX documents). My computer is virus-protected, and I back up data daily.

I will check and mark up proofs against an original or copy-edited manuscript, or I will carry out a blind proofread. I am trained in the use of the BSI 2005 standard marks for copy preparation and proof correction, but I can mark documents in plain English if you prefer.

Rates

The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading gives guidance on suggested minimum freelance rates, but rates are always negotiable. In particular I offer discounts for individual authors, students and charities.

How it works: after you contact me with a proposal, I'll ask for:

  • a representative page, section, chapter (or whatever is appropriate);

  • a detailed brief setting out exactly what you expect me to do, and how quickly; and

  • an estimate of the total word count.

Then I'll get back to you within twenty-four hours with a quote for the job.

First of all I would like to thank you for the work you did proof reading my dissertation. I would like you to know that your work was greatly appreciated and extremely beneficial to the editing process.

Gordon Sheach, dissertation student

Theses and dissertations

I have worked on very many theses and dissertations, on all sorts of subjects, and I am co-author of the CIEP's Proofreading Theses and Dissertations, the authorative guide for proofreaders and editors.

Work carried out

I am conscious that a dissertation has to be seen as your work. With that in mind I will:

  1. flag up corrections actually made using 'tracked changes' so that you can decide whether or not to accept them,

  2. use the comments facility to suggest changes that it would be inappropriate for a proofreader to make.

Corrections

I will make changes to all the problems noted below, and use 'track changes' so that you have the choice of whether or not to accept them.

  • Obviously incorrect grammar, for example “The figures obtained from the questionnaire was analysed to...”

  • Obviously incorrect punctuation - eg a full stop missing.

  • Misspellings.

  • Inconsistent capitalisation, style of headings, or format. If it is not possible for me to determine what rules apply, I'll send you a query as I'm working through the job, so that I can take your response into account (but see comment on timescale below).

  • Inaccuracies in footnotes or references (eg they are missing, or misnumbered).

Comments

To make sure that this remains your project, I will flag up the following points (explaining in each case why I'm doing so) without making changes to the manuscript.

  • Incorrect sentence structure - ie the grammar is wrong and an entire sentence needs a rewrite.

  • Ambiguities, caused sometimes by writing style and sometimes by errors in punctuation - which also require an entire sentence rewrite.

  • Awkward phrases or sentences - ie these are not incorrect, but read oddly and could be better phrased.

  • Suggestions on how formatting might be improved, particularly within tables.

The Cost

The cost of editing/proofreading a dissertation is difficult to estimate, because there are so many variable factors - the main two being the length and complexity of the manuscript. The best way to find out the cost is to send me a draft of the dissertation, or a representative sample from it, and I'd send you back a quote within 24 hours.

Timescale

On the assumption that my review discovers some required and/or potential changes, you'll need some time to action them. With that in mind, you'll probably want the manuscript back from me a week before its due date. In order for me to carry a complete review in time, therefore, I'd need it from you at the latest two weeks before the due date.

Carrying out a review in a shorter timescale isn't impossible, but it means I may not be able to carry out all the checks I'd like to.

Supervisor Acknowledgement

In order to eliminate misunderstandings, I will ask you to fill in a short form. This form can be adapted to take account of the particular circumstances and requirements of your dissertation. In most cases, I will phone or email your supervisor to make sure that he or she is aware that your dissertation is going to be professionally proofread.

Books and stories


Books

I am willing to work on all genres of fiction and most non-fiction material.

For fiction I can assist with the formatting of the book (whether for submission to an agent or for self-publishing) and I am also able to provide a full review that covers:

  • First impressions

  • Line by line edit

  • Writing and style

  • Setting

  • Characters

  • Pacing and plot

  • Summary, style sheet, and detailed list of comments

Stories

I can format a story in a style suitable for submission and then proofread it for:

  • Grammar and punctuation

  • Spelling and capitalisation

  • Ambiguity and inconsistencies

  • Awkward phrases or sentences

I am also prepared to offer suggestions on style and plot, although these will be my opinions only and I cannot guarantee that they would make a story more sellable!

It was an absolute pleasure working with Stephen. Although he was on holiday when I first approached him, he went out of his way to give me the information I needed and began work the very day he returned home. His manner of working was efficient and very easy to follow, including a mixture of style sheets, queries and comments that was exactly like working with an in-house copy editor at a major publisher (who have previously published my books.) He was right on my wavelength, ready well within the agreed turnaround period, and I hope to do more work with him in the future.

Clio Gray Author of the Stroop Mystery series (and others)