Proofreading

The word ‘proofreading’ is often used as a catch-all term for checking a piece of writing. But in the book publishing industry, proofreading is a very specific job.

Proofreading comes at the very end of the process, after the book’s been copyedited and the interior has been designed. It’s a final quality-control check for residual errors and sneaky typos that have evaded everyone’s eyes up to now!

(I would strongly recommend that you have your manuscript copyedited first. If you skip this stage, you might find that issues come to light during the proofread which can be time-consuming and costly to fix.)

For a print book, proofreading is carried out on the final PDF file created by the typesetter (even if that was you!).

For an e-book, proofreading is carried out on the final Word document, as a final check before the e-book is created.

What happens during a proofread?

During a proofread, I look at things like:

• spelling, punctuation and grammar
• consistency
• layout and formatting
• chapter headings and subheadings
• tables and images
• footnotes
• the cover text

As this is meant to be a final check, I only make changes that are absolutely necessary; this is not the time to be suggesting subjective changes (that should have happened during the editing!). You remain in charge – you are free to accept or reject any of my edits.

What you’ll need to send me

For print books, you’ll need to send me the PDF file of the interior pages, typeset and laid out ready for print. Also the cover file if you want me to check the text there too (I’d recommend it!).

For e-books, you’ll need to send me the final manuscript in MS Word with all your previous edits accepted.

It would also be extremely helpful if you could send me your book’s style guide or style sheet, if you have one.

While MS Word and Adobe PDF are the industry standards, I may be able to work in other applications. Please ask.

What you’ll get back!

PDF proofreading

If you’ve sent me PDF files, we’ll have had a chat beforehand about the best way for me to mark up the edits so that you can work with them. Usually, this means using Adobe’s Comments and Sticky Notes features, because they’re quite straightforward. I’ll return your PDF file with a style sheet (or update your existing one) which will provide explanations for the edits I’ve suggested.

You (or your designer) will then be able to make the necessary changes and create the final PDF ready to go to print.

Proofreading Word documents

I’ll make edits using the Track Changes facility – you are free to review them and accept or reject them as you wish. I’ll also send you a style sheet (or update your existing one) which will provide explanations for the edits I’ve made.

I’ll also send you a clean version of the proofread manuscript with all the changes accepted, for your reference or convenience. if you decide to accept all or almost all of the changes, it can be quicker to use this version!

Cost and timescale

The cost and the timescale will depend upon the length of your book and the level of proofreading it requires. I usually ask to see your manuscript so I can get a feel for how long the work will take, and then quote a project rate, so we both know the cost up front. I can offer payment in instalments for larger projects.

You’ll normally need to book your proofread in advance so we can agree on a schedule.

To enquire

Just send me an email. I’ll get back to you and we can take it from there!

Please take a look at my Terms and Conditions for more information about working with me.

Please note that while perfection is always aimed for, I can’t guarantee that your book will be 100% error free, particularly if it has not been through sufficient rounds of copyediting beforehand. Please refer to my Terms and Conditions for more information on quality assurance.