Proofreading

If you’ve already had your novel professionally edited (including copyedited) but need a final quality check before publishing, then proofreading can help you achieve that.

I will read through the entire manuscript, as a reader would, checking for any errors that may have slipped through to this final pre-publication stage. These may include:

• formatting errors

• inconsistency of chapter titles or chapter headers that may have ended up in the wrong place

• missing pages (or blank pages that have accidentally inserted themselves into the body of the text)

• visual elements/graphics that aren’t in the correct location/s or haven’t transferred over well (for example, any interior artwork, but also spacing between paragraphs/words and page depth)

• typos that may have snuck through

• inconsistent spellings/styles

• grammatical errors and other errors that may have slipped past the copyeditor (checking for comma placement, use of colons/semicolons, incorrect homonyms/homophones, etc.)

• checking dialogue tags and action beats

• light fact checking

•checking for consistency of story details (for example, character names and information, timeline references, setting details)

If your manuscript is a novel that will be published as an e-book and has already been transferred to an epub file, I will check the book’s display on my e-reader. I will also check any links that you provide, such as links to your Amazon Author/company page or your website, as well as links within the book itself (such as links to the different chapters from your Table of Contents).

I’m happy working in MS Word, PDF or epub formats.

I’m comfortable working in either UK or US English and am familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style.

The fee for proofreading depends on the level of amendment required.

For materials that are shorter in length, I charge an hourly rate of £29.85, which is in keeping with the CIEPs suggested minimum rates. A project quote can be provided, however, if this is preferred. If you’re a publishing company, then I’m happy to quote a per-word rate. Contact me for further details.

As a general guide, a proofread of a 90,000 word novel would cost between £450 and £1,000 (payment plans available).

I also offer a free sample of my work. Please contact me for details.