Proofreading
This is the process of analysing your document for mistakes. It can be done at any stage of the creation process but is best carried out when all content is finalised and the document is ready for production, otherwise you may be replicating work and reducing the value of actually having the document proofread. I prefer to take a light touch when proofreading, concentrating mainly on spelling, grammar, formating, and fact checking (web links for example). This helps to preserve the author's voice and means the content is entirely yours. I will make suggestions using comments where I feel changes will benefit the work, leaving you to make the changes. This approach is essential for proofreading academic work, where content ownership is extremely important.
Example checks (if applicable to your document)
- Spelling and grammar, including punctuation
- Basic document elements, such as page numbers
- Document consistency (styling)
- Link checking
- Contents list, figure index check
- Header/footer consistency
Editing
This concentrates more on the document itself, with specific reference to the styling structure and factual accuracy of the content. Editing deals more with the 'guts' and styling of the document; does it align correctly to any corporate or organisational styling guidlines, is it internally coherent, is it structured logically, does the document flow correctly, are the facts correct, are references correctly formated? These are all questions I ask when editing a document. As part of the editing process, I am also able to create content, should this be required. An example might be where you require a section of the document to contain information based on Internet research; I can do the reasearch and produce a factsheet that matches the overall style and content of your document. This, of course, does not apply to academic work.
Example checks (if applicable to your document)
- Internal consistancy - e.g. British or American spellings
- Proofreading elements correct
- Style guide check or application
- Basic fact checking
- Guidance on flow and structure
- Rewriting if required
- Content creation
- Reference check
Other Services
Throughout my career I have gained skills in areas that are related to writing, such as creating and analysing CVs. I have also produced a number of basic websites (such as the one you are reading now!). I have skills in basic HTML and CSS and can help you create and populate your own website. I have also ghostwritten for a number of blogs, and, of course, written my own essays and content for my own qualifications (over 200,000 words and counting, up to distinction level). I also write for pleasure and have almost a million words of my own work. I understand that quantity does not always equate to quality, and this is certainly true for some of my own academic and personal work. This is why I am working towards my MA in Creative Writing, to hone my skills and increase the quality of my professional work.
Example services - overview
- Curriculum vitae creation
- Document templates
- Basic websites
- Copywriting
- Blog posts
- Marketing content
- Research and datasheets