Frequently asked questions

Here are some questions I am often asked. If your question isn’t here, please get in touch.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final stage of editing and the last chance to catch any errors that may have slipped through the net. A proofreader will check the text for any errors or inconsistencies in spelling and grammar, ensure that the style and layout are consistent and verify that page numbers, references and captions are correctly placed. However, a proofreader will not (generally) fact-check, index or offer advice on the argument or flow of a text.

Do you proofread on screen or on paper?

Whichever my client prefers. I have experience proofreading on paper, using the British Standards Institution's proof-correction marks, but the vast majority of my work is done on screen. I use the Track Changes and Comments features for Word documents and I mark up PDFs in Adobe.

Do you proofread dissertations and theses?

Absolutely! See my Academic Services page for more information. Please note that it is your responsibility to check that your department allows your work to be proofread.

What are your rates?

Every proofreading job is different so I don’t offer a fixed rate, but a pricing structure. Please email me a sample of your text and I will provide you with an initial quote based on the depth of the work involved.