Proofreading is the process of reviewing a written document for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting. It is an essential step in ensuring that your writing is clear, concise and error-free.

Editing involves more than just proofreading. It includes reviewing the content of the document and making suggestions for improvements in tone, style, voice and structure. It can also include fact-checking and research verification.

The timeline for completing a proofreading job depends on the complexity of the document and the level of detail required. Straightforward final proofing of a document, will generally be between 1,500-2,000 words per hour. However, that doesn't mean that a 30,000 word document will be returned in two working days - to ensure clear oversight, a good proofreader will break away from a job to return and review it with fresh eyes at least once.

Short documents are likely to be turned around in 24-48 hours. For longer documents, contact me for an estimate.

This depends on the document format.

For Word documents, I will provide two versions back to the client, one will be a 'tracked changes' copy - this will show all* changes made to the document to be reviewed.
The second is a 'clean' copy - this is almost ready to use. Comments where the client's attention is required appear in the document and need reviewing and accepting/deleting prior to the document being complete.

*unless otherwise agreed - sometimes, formatting changes will not be shown at this stage.

For PDFs, the client will receive an 'edited' copy - this will have comments visible for the client to make changes to their original document.

Can I guarantee 'perfection'?
In short, no - however, that does come with an explanation.

I cannot guarantee perfection because editing and, to a lesser degree, proofreading are subjective*.

However, I can guarantee that:

•     I will do my absolute best for you, and always aim for the very highest editorial standards.

•     the changes I make will result in a substantively, and substantially, higher quality document/publication

•     I will respect your work, your voice, your privacy and your confidentiality.

*and, ultimately, we're all human.