Proofreading
Proofreading is more than simply checking for spelling and grammar mistakes. It is the FINAL stage in the editing process before your work is published. If you have already had your work professionally edited, and you are happy that it is as good as you can get it, then consider allowing ProofWrite UK to proofread it for you.
Depending on the type of text that you want proofreading (Word document, web-based text, images, tables, brochures, etc), a proofreading package will include identifying (and correcting) the following:
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Spelling/Grammar/Punctuation
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Syntax and Typos
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Repeated/missing words
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Font, font sizes, styles, position
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Spacing of text, words, lines, paragraphs
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Words with alternate meanings
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Words with alternate spellings
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Confirmation of calculations
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Fact checking (Phone numbers, URLs, addresses, links)
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Consistency in the use of names
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Alt Text
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Captions
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Illustrations
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Numbering systems (sequential use)
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Cross-referencing
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Headers and Footers
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Trademark/Copyrights
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Use of Bold or Italic text
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Adherence to your chosen Style Guide
Proofreading adheres to guidelines. It follows rules set by your chosen Style Guide, preferred dictionary, and grammar guide. Depending on your industry, these reference books will vary (or be designed in-house). Let me know your requirements, or contact me to discuss your options.
Copy-Editing
Line-Editing
Editing comes in THREE different levels (depending on your requirements). ALL levels include everything listed in the Proofreading section, above.
The aim of editing is to ensure that all text is:
Clear, appropriate (for the target readers), focused, consistent, concise, accurate, free of errors, of the correct length, and legally safe.
Level 1 (Light Editing) - This is similar to Proofreading and is referred to as a Technical Edit. It includes correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation (as above), but also includes checking the work for accuracy, formatting (fonts, sizes, spacing, bold/italics), Lists (correct use of bullet points, indents, numbering), and consistency in the use of tables.
Consider this level of editing as a final polish of your work.
Level 2 (Line-Editing) - This ensures that your words are written with a single, voice for a single audience, with a single purpose. It includes ALL Level 1 edits with the addition of:
Formatting of times/dates; correct use of abbreviations, acronyms, titles, gender pronouns; consistency in headers, titles, names, figures, calculations; correcting the writing style for the target reader, ensuring that it is concise, clear and logical.
Level 3 (Heavy Editing) - This is referred to as substantive or developmental editing and includes rewriting and restructuring of the text (as required). It includes ALL Level 1 and Level 2 edits with the addition of: Purpose of content, removal of generalisations and vagueness, flow, clarity, tone, voice, focus, structure, and the general organisation of the text, as a whole.
Students
Many universities and colleges have strict rules regarding their students using professional proofreading and editing services.​ Before you consider using ProofWrite UK to work on your essay, dissertation, or research paper, check with your own establishment to ascertain what is allowed. Rules vary from one university to another. Many will limit services to proofreading, or light editing, only.
I will need to have written consent from your course supervisor to confirm that my services are permitted before any work can be started on your papers.
Unfortunately, I am unable to rewrite or restructure any of your work.
Areas that I can assist include:
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All services listed under Proofreading (above)
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Essays, dissertations, theses, research papers
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Footnotes and endnotes
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references, reference lists, bibliographies