Finding a Proofreader.
The hunt for the ultimate Proofreader.
This is my guide for finding a professional proofreader.
My proofreading story.
I got interested in proofreading as a career initially when I wanted to publish a book. Who knew it could be such a complex journey from brain to print? Well, I’m not there yet (the publishing I mean!) but what a fascinating journey!
Back in the day, as they say, I assumed a proofreader was someone who browsed what someone had written and corrected all the spellings and full stops. I assumed my background in education was sufficient to enter a career that would satisfy my hunger for reading.
That idea went right out of the window as soon as I started my first proofreading course. I soon realised that if I wanted something published, I’d need to know the difference between my em dashed, en dashes and hyphens just for a start off! Realising that the industry was filled with experienced professionals was a bit daunting but certainly not off-putting, so I continued my dive into the unknown.
After my first course I tried selling my soul on Fivver. You can get some amazing bargains on there, 1000 words proofed for about three quid… You can also get some trained professionals for the CIEP going rate, but it takes a lot of trawling and speaking to others in the publishing industry made me realise that Fivver is the best way to ruin your reputation, waste your time and fill your inbox with very strange offers! As a buyer of services, I would steer well clear of such sites, it may only be a few quid wasted, but it’s a few quid wasted and the job still needs doing!
How much experience should I expect my proofreader to have?
Onto experience. Yes, that counts for a lot, but it does not mean that a newbie to the profession doesn’t do an amazing job. Some that have been in the industry for decades haven’t moved with the times, aren’t up to date with the inner workings of Microsoft Word, LaTeX, or PDF readers. Apologies to all my hard-working colleagues who absolutely are up-to-date and charge their worth for it, but they also know there are some very out of touch proofreaders. If they have experience, what in? Some proofreaders are highly skilled in legal work, others in novels, the list goes on; it pays to ask where the experience lies.
Isn’t proofreading the same as copy-editing?
It will pay you to know what you want or to ask the proofreader what they recommend.
If you suspect that there will need to be substantial changes then be honest! It’s embarrassing for all involved if you ask for a quote for proofreading and it turns out that a lot of editing work needs to be done.
If you really aren’t sure what you will need send a sample for the copy-editor/proofreader to look over.
Proofreading
will check for consistency of style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Your proofreader may offer suggestions for changes but will not make changes except for the above.
Copy-editing
Your writing will be proofread and the copy-editor may make minor changes to sentence or paragraph structure. You should be given a copy showing the changes so that you can choose to accept or reject them.
Editing
There are several grades of editor and editing work. Their services like a proofreader or copy-editor are valuable, or invaluable.
Please try not to expect fees to be low. Agencies may appear lower than some freelancer fees but they often exploit people who will accept very low rates and may not have had the training of a freelancer.
You may find your work proofread by someone who’s first language is not the language you have written in. This may or may not be an issue, just a point to bear in mind.
I need help with my dissertation.
There are very strict rules to proofreading academic work. Your university, or other academic institution, may only allow you to use a proofreader that they have approved.
No proofreader or editor will copy-edit your work if they are practicing ethically. It is a big no-no in the profession. If someone offers to edit your academic work, then they are more likely to introduce errors than remove them. All recognised training providers will have instructed proofreaders and editors on the ethics of working on examinable academic pieces.
Anyone undertaking such work is likely to either be untrained or dishonest. Don’t take the risk.
Ultimately it is your choice. I make it very clear in my terms and conditions that it is your responsibility to check the guidelines of your institution on proofreading.
Does the proofreader belong to a recognised professional body?
Does the proofreader belong to a recognised professional body such CIEP or have they trained with one of the leading training providers like the Proofreading Academy? There is no specific qualification available, but these points are well worth checking. My latest training was with Proofreading Academy which has a strong emphasis on academic proofreading. There is an ocean of CPD out there for proofreaders and copy-editors so there’s lots of opportunities to update skills.
Can you see examples of a proofreader’s work?
You shouldn’t be able to as that would be a breach of client confidentiality. That is something I believe is extremely important when dealing with precious creative works. If you want to see what your proofreader can do, they should offer to proof a small sample of your work so you both know what you’re dealing with! I like to offer to edit or proofread 300 - 500 words. It gives me an idea of the scope of the work involved, that allows me to set a fair rate for the job.
Please offer to pay for the sample! You are likely to get what you asked for, so the work will have been done.
Don’t jump for the first proposal!
Shop around, ask questions, there should at least be a website with a business email address to get in touch.
Use Fivver or Upwork, if that’s where your budget or your heart leads you, but please do your homework. If you have a specialised subject then it makes sense that you engage someone that understands it.
Use freelancers!
This is especially important if you have a lot of work. It pays to have a regular freelancer that you can turn too. They get to know your style of writing, your style guide, there is less chance of there being an upsetting deletion, especially with copy-editing, because they will know how much or how little you want them to do.
What will my proofreader need from me?
Clarity! Let them know what you think you want. Let them know what you DON’T WANT.
If you have a style sheet or work to a style guide, let them know.
What language do you want it to be proofread in. I’m going to assume English if you are reading this but, as you may know, English has national dialects, and each has it’s own set of grammar and punctuation rules.
Finally
If you have any questions at all about proofreading or any of my other writing services, then please just ask. I would much rather spend some time explaining things and answering questions than have you disappointed.