Services

I offer copy-editing, plain-English editing and proofreading services to non-fiction writers.

I’m happy to work in Word, PDF, PowerPoint, Excel, content-management systems and other applications (such as GoogleDocs). I’ll mark up editing suggestions with Track Changes (in Word) or an alternative (in other formats). I work on projects of all sizes, with long or short deadlines.

Each piece of work is different, and the price depends on the service you would like and the project itself. I will always discuss this with you first.

What I can help with

Here are a few examples of the types of documents I can help with:

Board games
Company reports
Instructions for products
Journal articles
Marketing materials: brand guidelines, newsletters and website copy
Public information
Reports and reviews
School reports
PhD theses
Training materials
Translated documents

Copy-editing

I offer copy-editing services, checking your grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, word use, tables and figures, heading structure, references and style throughout your document.

I will ensure that these elements are consistent throughout your document (or set of documents) and add suggestions and comments using tracked changes in Microsoft Word.

In a copy-edit, I also flag up parts of the text where there is repetition, where there seems to be a contradiction or inaccuracy, or where the meaning is unclear or ambiguous, suggesting alternative ways to phrase the text if possible. I also highlight language that may alienate or offend readers (such as gender-biased terms or stereotypes).

Plain-English editing

This is a specialist edit, based on the principles of plain language. It helps you communicate with your readers in a clear and human way, while avoiding misunderstandings and saving time and money.

Examples of documents I can help with include application forms, guidelines, information leaflets, instruction manuals, policies, contracts, product descriptions, service standards, consultation documents, and terms and conditions.

My edit will make the text as clear and straightforward as possible so that your readers can understand the information easily. I’ll also suggest ways you can make further improvements.

Proofreading

Proofreading involves checking through your text – usually at the design stage – to pick up on any final typos, inconsistencies, layout issues and spelling or grammar mistakes before you publish your document.

This service is useful when you have already had your document copy-edited, or you want to check for layout issues once your text has been laid out in a PDF by a designer.

I also offer a thesis-proofreading service for doctoral (PhD) students. For details, please see Proofreading for students.

Collaboration

If your project has a tight deadline or there’s a large volume of work, I can work with a trusted colleague to edit or proofread your text within a shorter time. Please contact me for more information about this service.

More information

For more information about what each service involves, or if you’re not sure which service you need, please contact me.