Services:
Copy-editing
Copy-editing is the process of checking for mistakes, inconsistencies, and repetition. During this process, the copyeditor works with you to polish your manuscript ready for publication. They must have meticulous attention for detail and have the ability to understand highly technical content while being aware of the overall themes of the work. The focus is equally on the small detail as well as the bigger picture.
Proofreading
Just like a copy-editor, a proofreader identifies typos and misplaced punctuation but also searches for layout issues like page numbering, consistency with headings, placement of tables and figures in the text, bad line or page breaks, inconsistencies with headers, footers, contents pages, appendices, in-text citations and much more.
Reference checks
References are often complicated and fiddly. It is important that references are accurate and adhere to the manual of style that is suggested by the client’s tertiary institution, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition, Chicago, Medicine in Science and Sports & Exercise (MSSE), etc. It is so easy to miss errors here or leave out essential details.
How I work
Microsoft Word
I use the Track Changes feature in Microsoft Word. Editorial comments and suggested amendments appear on your document in red – it is up to the client to Accept or Decline those as they see fit. It is also up to the client to back-up their original work before sending a copy of the document.
The client
~ The client is responsible for the factual accuracy of the content of the document, including dates, times, figures, calculations and any quoted material.
~ It is the client's responsibility to approve, decline and action any adjustments that have been suggested by the proofreader.
~ It is the client’s responsibility to familiarise themselves with the University’s policy and guidelines around plagiarism, and their requirements for the layout, style and presentation of the document.
The editor
~The editor endeavours to do their utmost to uncover every little (and big) error hiding out in your text.
~ To return the document to you on the date agreed (barring unforeseen circumstances such as earthquakes and tempests).
~ To communicate with you regularly to keep you up-to-date with progress. A regular report can be sent to you so you know what stage the project is at. I can send back your edited/proofed document chapter-by-chapter, so you can be working on making changes at the same time – this makes for a faster turnaround on large documents.
