What I offer

General overview and FAQs

Editing or proofreading — what’s the difference?

The following table shows the recommended order of any editing process (whether done by me, you, or anyone else), and a brief description of what’s involved. I expand on these processes below.

Please note: For academic assignments, I offer proofreading only.

As I do it, there is often some overlap between the different levels. Eg, when doing structural editing, I may make some line editing suggestions too, if I spot recurring issues.

You have the following choices:

  • Structural editing only — this usually stands alone, as it might involve rewriting or adding some sections. I can make detailed suggestions for any structural changes you may need. Or, if you prefer, I can make the changes myself.

  • Line editing and proofreading — I include proofreading with line editing as it’s almost impossible not to do it as I go along! This level of editing is best if you are already happy with the overall structure of your text.

  • Proofreading only — the final process before you go public. This is suitable if you are already confident with the wording as a whole (ie, if you have already been through an editing process).

Please see the FAQs on this page for further information.

Sample Edit

You might not be sure what your work needs yet. With a sample edit, I spend exactly 2 hours looking at every aspect of your writing. In that time, I correct, edit or comment on everything I can spot!

In addition to this 2-hour edit (cost: £64), you will receive a FREE detailed summary of the main findings, with general suggestions specific to YOUR writing.

A sample edit gives us both a much better idea of how long your full work would take to edit or proofread in its current form. This enables me to give you an accurate quote. Alternatively, you might want to address some of the issues it flags up before coming back to me.

You are not obliged to take up any other services after a sample edit.

FAQs

  • Where possible, I work on a Word document using Track Changes. This means all changes to the text are visible in a different colour. You can accept or reject each change, so you maintain full control over the final copy. (If you are not familiar with Track Changes, I can refer you to a helpful blog post!)

    I also use margin comments for some explanations, queries, or suggestions for bigger or more complex changes.

    Alternatively, I can edit a PDF (or similar). However, this does take longer for both of us, as I can't make changes directly to the text. Instead, I write exactly what needs doing in individual notes on the PDF, and then you have to implement the changes yourself afterwards.

  • You can find information about editing and proofreading rates (for any genre) on my Prices page.

    If you'd like a quote, I need to know a few things, and I need to see your work. More details here.

  • If your work will only take a couple of hours, I might be able to do it within a few days. However, I can't guarantee it, I'm afraid.

    I rarely do block booking for single projects. I intersperse bigger projects with smaller ones (aiming to allow time for short-notice jobs as above!). This means that a job like book-editing will be spread over several weeks. Obviously you are only charged for the hours spent specifically on your work.

  • Getting your work checked will always improve your chances, but I do not have insider knowledge of the publishing industry.

    Publishers and agents have varying requirements; if you research what is needed, I can help you refine what you send to them, but I cannot guarantee that they will accept your writing. I also cannot advise on different publishing routes, as there are pros and cons to each.

  • Professional writing to someone else’s brief is usually called copywriting. It’s a different level of service, and will still need time and thought on your part to explain your precise requirements — your aims and audience, as well as the facts you want to include.

    Copywriting is, quite rightly, more expensive than editing.

    If you think that’s what you need, please get in touch for more information.

  • I'm happy to do a final proofread on essays and assignments if your school, college or university allows that within its policies. But I don't offer any other help, as that is unethical.

    Please take a look at my page for Students.

  • Not all editors can type quickly, and not all typists can edit!

    I recommend asking someone with fast keyboard skills (not me, sadly) to type your work. Once it has been typed, I'll be happy to proofread or edit to the highest standards.

  • As well as spellings, grammar and punctuation, proofreaders also check for consistency — in names, heading style, bullet points, capitalisation, spacing, and internal references, such as captions and links. Why? To avoid any confusion about what you really mean.

    Spellcheck will not do all that. It also won’t pick up real words that you use in the wrong place (eg, brought when you mean bought).

    As for computer grammar checking… quite simply, it’s often wrong. Human language is far too subtle for an algorithm to understand all its meanings. You need a real person!