Proofreading
Availability:
I regret that I am currently unable to take on any new clients for proofreading work.
Services:
To help you budget your project I charge a competitive flat rate fee based on the number of words in your document
so you will know beforehand how much the job will cost you.
Light proofreading (for documents that are essentially sound but require
expert checking for relatively minor spelling and/or grammatical errors, inconsistencies, etc)
- Fee = £5 per 1,000 words (0.5 pence per word)
- Minimum fee = £50
- A deposit of 25% may be required in advance
Intensive proofreading (for documents that require more work than covered by light proofreading,
such as documents written in a hurry or requiring detailed checking of layout, references, footnotes, etc)
- Fee = £7 per 1,000 words (0.7 pence per word)
- Minimum fee = £50
- A deposit of 25% may be required in advance
If you are unsure as to whether your document requires light or intensive proofreading then I would be pleased
to take a look at it and let you know how much the job would cost before you make any commitment.
Major restructuring or rewriting: If your document requires major restructuring or rewriting then you
are really looking for a copy-editor rather than a proofreader. Again, I would be pleased to take a look at
your document beforehand and either negotiate a fee for doing the work myself if I can or else suggest how you
could find someone who will be able to help
you.
Methods:
I can work either with electronic copy (if your document is in Microsoft Word format) or with hard copy
(marking up documents printed on paper).
Working with Microsoft Word: I use the Track Changes and Comments functions to mark amendments.
Working with hard (paper) copy: you can choose whether I mark the proofs using standard proofreading symbols
or plain English. I can either post the hard copy back to you or scan the pages and return them to you as a PDF file.
Please note that actual printing costs and any fees incurred for posting hard copy back to you are not included
in the fee for proofreading and you would need to reimburse me for these.
You may require some other form of work done, such as proofreading pages of your website. In such a case,
we would discuss your requirements beforehand to decide the best method for your particular job.
Deadline:
Before beginning, we would jointly agree a date by which the work should be completed and you would
receive the amended document on or before that date.
Note: An additional 'rush fee' may be payable on jobs with tight deadlines.
How to pay:
You can choose to pay either by cheque, bank transfer or PayPal.
Contact me:
In all cases, contact me beforehand with a short description of the work you would
like done and I will get back to you promptly to discuss your requirements.
About me
Professional training:
Distinction in 'Basic Proofreading' from the Publishing Training Centre.
Experience and specialist expertise:
I have proofreading experience in a wide range of areas and my past and present clients include Routledge
(academic publishers), Prehoc Solutions Ltd, GeoGene, ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena), TEMS
(The Travel and Earth Mysteries Society) and the Metropolitan Water Board Railway Society. Since mid-2009
I have been registered with the Taylor and Francis publishing group, proofreading essays for renowned reference
works such as the 'Global Institutions Series', the 'Europa World Year Book', the 'Europa Regional Surveys of
the World' and the 'Europa World of Learning' (see the link below for further details of these works). Although
I am pleased to work in any subject area I have specialist expertise in the areas of psychology, parapsychology and genetic
genealogy: for further information regarding my specialist subjects, click here.
Testimonials:
'One of Jim's most abiding achievements is the flawless proofreading of ASSAP News .... (The editor)
might run a competition sometime: "Spot the Error". No need for a prize, as nobody could enter thanks to
Jim's eagle eye.' Dr Hugh Pincott, Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena
'I can confidently recommend James as a skilled and reliable writer, editor and proofreader and would have
no hesitation in using his services again.' Chris Eglington, Owner, GeoGene
Other:
View my LinkedIn profile