English Proofreading & Copy-Editing
Book Proofreading Services
Professional book proofreading service
Having worked as a professional freelance book editor
for over 18 years, I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can bring to your manuscript. I have worked in a legal publications department as a proofreader, as well as in-house in various UK publishers. I am happy to work on general fiction, nonfiction, as well as academic manuscripts.
I am often asked what the difference is between book proofreading
and copy-editing. The term copy-editing is somewhat of a catch-all term for all editing, including proofreading. However, copy-editing typically does not only address grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, and word choice. It also addresses a manuscript’s correctness, such as inconsistencies in plot/character. For instance, why is the character named James in the first few chapters of a novel suddenly being called Jim in a later chapter? Or why does Laura have grey eyes in the first chapter, but blue eyes in the final scene of the book? Or why is the character of the main protagonist of a novel not being developed?
Copy-editing is less focused on the rhythm and flow of a manuscript, but more on ensuring accuracy and consistency. For example, my book editing service:
- involves making corrections/changes at the sentence level
- ensures the manuscript adheres to a publisher’s house style
- checks for consistency in terms of timelines, plot, and characters
- checks the formatting of the manuscript in readiness for the last stage proofreading and publication.
After the editing stage, the client will receive two files by email – a tracked version of the manuscript showing all my editing, and a final version showing all those changes made. The client is then responsible for either accepting or rejecting my changes and recommendations.
Proofreading services
Proofreading should really be carried out at the final phase of the manuscript editing process. It involves checking for typos, spelling, and layout issues. These errors and anomalies can sometimes creep in as a result of track changes, especially if a document has been heavily edited. Proofreading involves double-checking the manuscript, not assessing or improving style or subject matter. It involves changes at the word level, not at the sentence or paragraph level.
My services include a second read through of your manuscript to proofread for such issues before it is sent back.
It must be stressed that, while a proofreader/copy-editor checks for correctness, the client should always conduct their own final read through of a manuscript and ensure they are satisfied with it before submitting or publishing.
If you would like a sample edit of your manuscript and see for yourself how I work, then feel free to send me a page or a chapter.
I look forward to working with you.
Bridget
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
― Anton Chekhov