Proofreading

MICHAEL FAULKNER

the blue cabin website

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proofreading service

‘Yesterday Mr.Hall wrote that the printer’s proof-reader was improving my punctuation for me, and I telegraphed orders to have him shot without giving him time to pray.’

Mark Twain, in a letter from 1889

I offer two levels of editorial service to publishers and others:

Proofreading
Light editing

(To go straight to Options and Charges, click here)

My credentials (to download a CV click here)

Many years ago, while working in the litigation department of a firm of solicitors in Edinburgh, I wrote a long letter of advice to a client. It had to be signed off by the partner to whom I reported, a wonderful character – sadly, no longer with us – called David Williamson. He read the letter, climbed up onto his desk, thrust his arm skywards and said, ‘To boldly go where no man has gone before!’ Then he sat down, handed me the letter and said, ‘Apart from the split infinitive, it’s fine. Send it.’

I had opened with these words: ‘I have now had a chance to further consider your earlier letter. . .’

Well, I’ve been careful with my grammar ever since, and I firmly believe that if you’re going to put something out there – a book, a prospectus, a dissertation or indeed a letter – you might as well get it right.

With two books and numerous magazine and newspaper articles behind me, I decided to try ‘getting it right’ professionally, and took a proofreading course at Publishing Training Centre, whose qualifications command most respect within the industry.

During the course, when I mentioned proofreading in company, someone usually asked, ‘What is it, exactly?’ So (publishers and editors: look away now or skip to Options and Charges, below):-

What does proofreading involve?

Broadly, proofreading puts the polish on a piece of text. The piece is examined line by line for errors of grammar and syntax, spelling, punctuation, consistency, layout, formatting and (to the extent that it is affected by the foregoing) sense. An eye for detail and a sound grasp of all the relevant rules is essential – a love of words is optional but desirable!

How does proofreading differ from copy-editing?

Copy-editing (which I do not offer) covers all of the above but also looks at the overall structure, style, tone and flow of the piece, even to the point of substantial re-writing (in cooperation with the author). So, whereas proofreaders make corrections, copy-editors tend to make – or suggest – changes.

Is there a grey area?

In practice, yes. Many professional proofreaders will offer (as I do) light editing as well as strict proofreading. I am not a professional copy-editor, but I am happy to read any piece with structure and style in mind and to make suggestions for improvements. This is more time-consuming and is therefore charged at a higher rate, as below.

Suitable material

Any material intended for print can potentially benefit from proofreading or a light edit, including:-

Term papers/dissertations/theses
Full-length manuscripts
Legal documents (a speciality)
Promotional material – corporate brochures and leaflets, advertising copy etc.
Reports
Consultation documents
Etc!

Options and Charges

Every commission being different, the following options and pricing are for guidance only – I am happy to tailor the job to the client’s requirements, and this may impact on the fee (up or down!). I can work either on paper or on-screen (using tracking if requested). It will help to get the measure of the job, and therefore the cost, if it is emailed in advance; this may also be helpful in deciding which option makes most sense in particular cases – proofreading or light editing.

Publishers and editors please note: notwithstanding Options 1 and 2 below, I can work to a brief!

Option 1: Proofreading only

A line by line examination of the text for grammar and syntax, spelling, punctuation, consistency, layout, formatting and sense. I will correct errors but will not attempt to improve on style, tone or the overall substance/structure of the piece. If required, I can liase fully with the client/author on individual corrections. From £8 per 1000 words (minimum charge £16)

Option 2: Light edit

Everything in Option 1 is included in a light edit, but with the addition of a deeper read for structure, style, continuity, tone, rhythm and flow. Generally, changes will be in the form of suggestions: the client/author can accept or reject individual changes. From £12 per 1000 words (minimum charge £24)

Enquiries: To email an enquiry click here. To download a CV click here.

Mark Twain

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