What is proofreading, and what difference will it make to my book?
According to the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, it is:
‘Careful reading (and rereading) of a (yet to be finally-printed) document, to detect any errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. It may also involve checking of different elements of a layout (such as headlines, paragraphs, illustrations, and colours) for their correct dimensions, placement, type, etc. Every author knows that (despite the spelling checking abilities of modern word processors) a human proofreader is indispensable.’
Traditionally, this is done on pages that have been typeset ready for printing, so changes are indicated by marking up the manuscript, electronically or by hand. But often, nowadays, edits can be made directly onto the Word document, especially when a book is to be self-published.
In practical terms, it means that I will:
- Check that the spelling is correct
- Check that the punctuation is correct and consistent
- Check that the style is consistent
- Check that the layout is as intended
- Check that the capitalisation has been applied consistently
- Check that any tables, illustrations, maps, diagrams etc, are complete, consistent and correctly labelled
- Check that grammar usage is correct
- Check that the hyphenation is consistent
- Check that headings are consistent
- Check that any contents page references the correct pages
- Check that page numbers are correct and consistently placed.
Get information about the possible cost from my Prices page.
To get a firm quote, I would need you to send me a small sample from your manuscript, say, 1,000 words from somewhere in the middle. It needs to be pretty representative of what the rest of your manuscript looks like.
Or, give me a call to talk it over on 07827 919022.
Ask for a sample proofread, free of charge.
Photo of police lamp by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
Clued Up Editing 