Ensure that your manuscript is free of spelling and punctuation errors and your formatting is up to snuff for publication
With proofreading & formatting check
The last step in the editing process is the proofread and formatting check. Proofreading is done once the piece of written work has a content edit or developmental edit and a copy edit.
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is the process of carefully reading through the edited piece of written work checking for any remaining punctuation, spelling, or formatting errors to ensure that is completely error-free for publication.
Do I Need Proofreading?
If you have a piece of written work that you intend on publishing, it is highly recommended that you invest in proofreading services. This process is very important and will aid in:
- Appearing more professional
- Having more impact with your words
- Attracting more clients or readers
- Being more confident in your work
- Increasing your chances of getting published traditionally or getting a literary agent
- Making you appear more serious and invested in your work
When Should I Get Proofreading Services?
Proofreading is the final step before a piece of written work in published. This comes after a developmental edit, copy edit, formatting, and any other significant changes to the body of work.
I Want a Proofread. How Do I Get Started and What Does the Process Look Like?
If you are ready to get copy editing services, then the first step is to get in touch by filling out the contact form or sending me an email at [email protected] with the subject line “Proofreading Services Inquiry” to get a conversation started so we can discuss your current work. You will be asked to provide a short synopsis of the overall work (if it is over 2500 words). Note: this is not an edit. You work has to be completed and edited in order to get a proofread.
A free email or telephone consultation will follow. This will help me to get a good idea of what your story is about, what stage in the writing process you are, what your vision for the finished product is, and how I can best help you. It will also help you to get a good idea of how I will help you, how long the process will take, and of course, the costs involved. All of this will be discussed before any commitments are made.
After the consultation, you can decide if you would like to move forward. If you would like to move forward with a developmental edit, then you will be required to put down a non-refundable 50% deposit and sign a simple contract. I will also provide you with an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) if you do have one.
After all the legal stuff is out of the way, I will get straight to work. I will work through your copy line by line and make corrections as required. I will do all of this using Microsoft Word with the ‘Tracked Changes” feature enabled, allowing you to easily see every change or suggestion I make and reject or accept them as you wish.
Once the proofread document is ready, I will deliver it to you along with a clean copy that does not have the ‘Tracked Changes’ feature enabled. At this point, you will be required to pay the remaining 50% of the fee. I can answer any questions you have regarding the corrections included.