Red pen adding proofreader's marks to a paper copy manuscript.

What Is Proofreading?

Proofreading is one of the final phases of review a manuscript will undergo prior to publication. After all revision and rewriting are complete, proofreading takes one last glance to ensure no spelling errors, misplaced punctuation, or incorrect formatting are translated into the final product.

This is a great polishing service for writers who are preparing their projects for any submission process, including preparations for beta readers, self-publishing, or query packets.

Why have someone else proofread when word processors can identify spelling and punctuation errors? In short, software is imperfect and formulaic. It doesn't catch word misusage (like homonyms), and sometimes it just plain offers the wrong solution to a punctuation snafu. A professional proofreader can check for all surface errors and make custom edits to make it right.

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Quality control check to ensure your manuscript is free of all errors before sending it off.

The one-time quality control inspection reviews your final manuscript, including all non-book materials (e.g. table of contents, acknowledgements, back cover synopsis, query letter, etc.), to remove all surface errors. This checks exclusively for misspelling, missing or misplaced punctuation, and any formatting errors that may have gotten lost in translation from your word processing document into book format. Proofreading assumes all other editing and feedback cycles (e.g. with an editor or beta readers) have been completed and assumes to be the very last step in the manuscript preparation process.

Whmo is this right for?

Writers with a complete manuscript of any length who want a professional presentation of their work. This is appropriate for preparing a piece for beta readers to receive feedback and for formal submissions for self-publishing or to traditional publishing agent queries.

Whom is this not right for?

Writers in mid-revision processes or those with first drafts seeking feedback. Remember: Proofreading is not editing, so be sure your work has undergone Developmental Editing and Line- or Copyediting first, as this service will not address those elements.

Your manuscript will be polished to perfection.

Markup is performed using a Track Changes feature. Edits will adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition unless otherwise requested. You will receive two versions of your project: a clean copy with all edits performed and a working copy with edits suggested but not accepted. We will make sure your manuscript's presentation is professional and error-free.

Remove the Distractions

Make sure your story stands out for its merits, not its slipups! Contact me for a free consultation.

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