Proofreading is the final quality assurance stage of the editing process and should only happen after copy-editing has run its course.

Its main criteria are to make sure your completed project conforms to industry standards, which means catching missed grammar and punctuation errors, and design and layout mishaps at the least.

You must understand at the outset that while a proofread will pick up minor grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that slip through the net, that is not its purpose. If, when reviewing the work to offer a quotation, or while undertaking the task, I highlight too many errors, I will most likely return your work for further copy-editing*. Please know that if I do return your work, it is not a reflection on your ability as a writer or story-teller. Editors and proofreaders have one goal; to make your manuscript the best it can be. Easy and enjoyable to read.

What I look for

While copy-editing operates at sentence and word level, proofreading takes it one stage further and looks at the sentence, word, and layout for the following;

• • Standard paragraphs and section breaks
  • Correct dialogue punctuation
  • Removal of extraneous letter, word, and line spacing
  • Standard Paragraph indentation
  • Highlight inconsistent spelling and punctuation
  • Highlight inconsistent grammar and syntax
  • Correct and consistent pagination and chapter sequencing
  • Consistency in text and image design and alignment
  • Highlighting widows and orphans (top and bottom line issues)

*If I was your copy-editor, I will correct any errors discovered during proofreading as part of the process.