Frequently Asked Questions

Copy editing aims to improve the quality of the writing by looking at the big picture; proofreading aims to improve technical accuracy by looking at the tiny details.

My copy editing service includes the proofreading service. I will never suggest improvements to the ‘big picture’ without also identifying and correcting errors.

Solid editing and proofreading are important steps in the writing process. They are the surest way to improve the writing and identify errors. Errors can be expensive, embarrassing and can call into question your credibility and reputation. They detract from the intended message. Let me take care of the editing and proofreading so that you can concentrate on what you do best.

It’s impossible to identify all errors in your own writing because what you ‘see’ in your brain is what you expect is on the page. And this is rarely the case. An objective, trained eye is the best way to identify and correct errors before publication or print. Let me be the objective, trained eye that will enhance the quality of your written material.

I am flexible with how I mark-up changes, it is entirely up to you. I can use track changes in a Word document, PDF, Powerpoint, Google docs or I can mark-up changes in a hard copy and provide a corrections report that cross-references back to your document.

I am also trained in traditional proofreading marks if you would prefer I mark-up documents using these.

Please be reassured that any changes or suggestions are implemented only if you choose to implement them. As the author, it is entirely up to you what you wish to change in your document. If you require clarification about a suggested change, please do not hesitate to ask. Where possible I make it very clear what are definite changes, suggested changes and queries. My role is to enhance the quality of your work, not rewrite it as my work.

The project is incomplete until you are fully satisfied with my work. If you are 100% satisfied with my work, please shout it from the rooftops. My best marketing tool is word-of-mouth.

While your colleague or friend may be able to help with some aspects, unless they are a qualified proofreader/editor, they won’t have the comprehensive knowledge to detect all errors and inconsistencies. They might also struggle to give you honest feedback.

While I am committed to caring for your work as if it were my own, you are still in complete control of the document and you approve the suggestions that I put forward.

Spell check only picks up words that are spelt wrong. It does not detect the incorrect use of words. For example, their vs there or too vs to vs two.

Nothing compares with the human eye and its ability to recognise context and style.

A poem by anon shows the dangers of relying on spell check.

I have a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marquees for my revue
Miss steaks eye cannot sea.

When eye strike a quay, right a word
I weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar wright
It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee four two late
And eye can put the error rite
It’s rarely, rarely grate.

I’ve run this poem threw it
I’m shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect in its weigh
My chequer told me sew
My chequer tolled me sew.

AI tools can tend to standardise writing whereas human editors are able to fully understand the meaning of what they are reading. This allows them to retain the author’s style preferences and unique tone/voice and avoid potentially embarrassing errors.