Proofreading is the final check done to a document. As a proofreader, I look for any mistakes that might appear within the text, ensuring that it is free from errors and that it is consistent throughout.
Proofreading checks include:
- Spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Consistency of formatting, layout and style (including headings, font size and type and spacing).
- Ensuring words are used correctly and with the appropriate spelling (e.g. distinguishing ‘principal’ from ‘principle’).
- For academic work, ensuring that referencing is formatted accurately and follows your preferred style guide.
I will also highlight sentences that might need rephrasing for clarity. However, when proofreading, I do not suggest alterations to writing style, reword sentences, rewrite headings, or move paragraphs around. These structural changes, as well as fact-checking, are examples of copyediting.
I can work with both UK and US English, and can refer to your preferred style guide (including, but not limited to, MLA, MHRA, Chicago and Guardian) or brand guidelines. If you do not have a preferred style guide, I will use my in-house style guide to ensure consistency.
In Word, I will use track changes and, where relevant, comments for clarification or context, to markup edits within the text. Upon completion, I will send you two documents, one with track changes included, and a second, ‘clean’, copy, with all track changes accepted.
In PDF, I use Adobe markup tools to show any recommended edits.
I do not use AI, which, aside from its various environmental and ethical issues, is neither as accurate or consistent as a human proofreader.
Interested in my services?
For a no obligation quotation, please inquire by emailing foxtales-editorial@outlook.com or messaging me via my contact form.
For longer documents, I offer a free sample edit of one to two pages, so that you can see how I work and whether I am a good fit for your project. This also allows me to give you an accurate quote.
Dr Rachel Gregory Fox | Fox Tales Editorial 