Before you hire an editor or proofreader, take some time to understand which editorial professional does what and when. Do you know what kind of editing you need? Read my free PDF guide to understand the editorial workflow and whether you might need proofreading, copyediting or another editorial service.
What kind of editing do you need?
When choosing an editor or proofreader, make sure you ask lots of questions so that you know what will happen with your document, how the editorial process will work, what you’ll be paying for and, most importantly, who’ll be providing the service.
Anyone can set up a proofreading or editing business as it’s not currently a regulated profession. Some people (like me) are freelance editorial professionals, but you’ll also find assisted publishing companies and intermediaries offering editorial services, by their in-house staff or their pool of freelancers. Look for a provider who knows their stuff and will demonstrably give you value for money. That doesn’t mean the cheapest.
Good training from a recognised source such as the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) or the Publishing Training Centre (PTC)
Membership of a professional body (in the UK that’s the CIEP)
Listings in reputable directories (again CIEP and PTC are examples)
Credible testimonials from happy clients
Helpful free advice that shows they know what they’re talking about
Onscreen editing using digital files rather than paper manuscripts is the usual format for editing, proofreading and page layout; but if you’re still working on paper, we’ll find a way! You can send me your files via email or a file transfer service such as WeTransfer or Dropbox.
For editing, I need your text as a Word file. I use Word because it’s the industry standard for editors and works with the tools and add-ons that let me edit your work more efficiently (and therefore cost-effectively). If you’re writing in Scrivener, Pages, Google Docs or another program, I’ll discuss with you an appropriate working method.
For proofreading of formatted files prior to publication it’s best to use a PDF file so that we both see the page layout as intended.
I can work with other formats, depending on your project, such as InDesign files and PowerPoint presentations. I will deliver the end result back to you in the most appropriate format for what you want to achieve.
For editing I will agree with you at the outset the best way of working. That usually means using Word’s Track Changes tool so that you can see my corrections and suggestions. Once you are happy with the changes I will send you a final version ready for the next step of publication.
For proofreading I will usually mark up a PDF file using the built-in commenting tools, which you can view using the free version of Adobe Reader. If I’ve also edited your draft text, I can make any changes and generate a new layout proof. Otherwise, you’ll be able to transfer any agreed changes to your original text and produce the final files yourself.
For paper proofs I will use the current British Standard proof correction marks (and will explain these if you are not familiar with them) or, if you prefer, plain text comments to mark up errors and suggested changes.
I may also send you a list of queries to answer before finalising your project.
I’m experienced in:
Traditional proofreading and copyediting
Design and layout for print and ebooks
Formatting with styles and templates
Rewriting, language clarity and jargon busting
Working in a range of formats and programs
Whether you are publishing a book or a simple business report, I will work with you to develop a suitable design and layout for your text, including appropriate page size and structure, fonts and typefaces and page design elements.
I can set up a template for you in Word or InDesign, with paragraph styles and basic page elements in place. You can use this for future projects to achieve a unified brand look for your content.
You can send me ideas or examples you like, or I can suggest sample designs for you.
I will prepare your layout in a program suitable for your project and supply you with the files you need for printing or e-publication (for example, press-quality PDF or epub and Kindle). You will also receive the original design files in case you need to make changes in future.
I work in different programs, including:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Acrobat Pro (PDF)
InDesign (latest version)
Photoshop (latest version)
web content management systems (CMS)
Because each job is different I will give you a free no-obligation price and time estimate after I’ve seen at least a representative sample of your work, so that I can assess what needs to be done, how I can best help you and how long it will take. If you decide to go ahead I’ll agree more detailed terms with you.
Before we start, I may ask you to pay some or all of the agreed fee in advance, especially if you are a new client or you are outwith the UK.
All services are subject to my general terms and conditions, as well as any specific terms agreed with you for each job. Please read my terms as they are designed to protect your interests as well as mine! I will ask you to agree terms at the start of our working relationship and they will apply to all jobs I do for you thereafter.
I will treat all samples and work provided by you as strictly confidential. You may also request that I don’t mention you or your project, for example in my list of clients or portfolio. I will carry out all work in accordance with the CIEP Code of Practice (the professional body for editors and proofreaders in the UK).
