Proofreading is . . . the final quality check of a text before it is submitted for publication. It includes the following:
- Correcting errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and syntax
- Ensuring style consistency. For example, in the use of hyphens, capitalisation and italics. Also the consistent usage of British or American spellings.
- Ensuring formatting is consistent. This includes the layout of headings, paragraph indention, line spacing and typography
- Checking contents pages against chapter titles, page numbers, page headings etc.
- Checking cross references against footnotes or endnotes, if applicable
- Ensuring illustrations and tables are positioned correctly and that captions correspond with the text
Proof-editing . . . involves all the elements of proofreading plus the following:
- Dealing with repetition and wordiness to ensure clarity
- Flagging missing elements in referencing
- Highlighting inconsistencies or ambiguities and suggesting alternatives
- Cross referencing in-text citations with references
- Checking references for correct style (e.g. Harvard, Vancouver) and alphabetical order
- Correcting poor word breaks
- Providing a style sheet if required
My services . . . do not include:
- Rewriting your text or commenting on the content, structure or flow
- Altering or developing your argument or ideas
- Formatting your text from scratch
- Increasing or reducing the word count
- Fact-checking
- Addressing copyright or other potential legal issues
Audrey Anderson Proofreading 