“Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.”
– Dave Barry
Proofreading
What is proofreading?
Proofreading corrects indisputable errors only. Proofreading catches silly mistakes that grammar and spell check can't find, but a trained eye can. Proofreading is the last step before going to print and happens after a thorough copyedit. Proofreading ensures mechanical accuracy and consistency. HJ's Editing Services may reject a request to proofread if a copyedit or substantive edit proves a better tool for the job based on the document's content, accuracy, and clarity.
Proofreading service corrects:
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Incorrect or missing punctuation
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Misspelled words
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Incorrect or missing capitalization
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Typographical mistakes
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Mechanical mistakes
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Rogue spacing
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What is proofreading NOT?
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Proofreading will not cover fact checking of common knowledge information.
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Proofreading will not provide developmental suggestions.
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Proofreading will not alter word choices, other than misspellings or word usage.
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Proofreading will not address the logic of arguments, the narrative flow, characterization, sentence structure, clarity, or tone of a document.
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Proofreading will not address the "gray area" of grammar, style, word usage, and syntax.
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How does it work?
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You will email me a few pages of your document and include your specifications, any questions you may have, and your timeline.
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I will analyze the document and make sure it's ready for a proofread. A document may need copyediting or substantive editing before I accept it for proofreading. I will then accept or negotiate your terms. When we agree to the terms, I will send you the Client Agreement form and an invoice for a 50% deposit fee, which I require to secure our agreement.
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I use Microsoft Word's Track Changes feature to proofread your document. You may reject or accept any changes or suggestions I make. See below for a sample proofread.
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How might a proofread look?
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How much will proofreading cost?
Proofreading is the least expensive type of editing because it takes the least amount of time. The cost of proofreading is one cent ($.01) per word to one-and-a-half cents per word ($.015). For a 70,000 word document, the proofreading would cost $1050.00. Please email me to negotiate a price for proofreading documents other than manuscripts. For more information about payment information click here.
What types of documents will you proofread?
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Websites
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Fiction manuscripts
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Social network pages
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Business documents
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Marketing material and advertisements
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Essays and research papers
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Nonfiction manuscripts
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Magazine articles
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