There’s nothing more frustrating than reading a poorly written article or a sales brochure with typos – mainly because it’s so easy to fix.
Proofreading is the art of reading a document to identify and correct errors in format, style, spelling and grammar. It’s the final step before a document is published or sent to print.
Using a professional proofreader is like having an extra pair of eyes…the ones that will pick up inconsistencies, poor grammar and those obvious typos that are so easy to miss. Once something has been printed it’s too late to fix any mistakes.
As a proofreader, I will check a document for things like:
- Spelling mistakes
- Poor grammar
- Incorrect punctuation
You may also choose to use the services of a copyeditor. They will work with your existing content to improve the format and style. This could involve correcting, condensing, re-organising and sometimes even re-writing content so it is persuasive and fit for purpose.
Sometimes this might mean re-writing substantial amounts of copy if you want to target a new audience or connect with your customers in a different way. Or you might just need a few tweaks to clarify meaning and ensure your content hits the mark.
As a document editor, I will look for:
- Layout issues
- Correct sentence structure
- Conciseness and plain English
- Opportunities to eliminate jargon
- Consistency of key terms and language
- Alignment to house style
Everyone wants content that is accurate and consistent. But it’s really difficult to correct your own work.
You are the expert on your subject matter…but that can also be your downfall. Why, you ask? Because you know what you want to say so that’s what you read on the page. It’s too easy to read what you think is there and you don’t read what is actually there.
With a fresh pair of eyes, I can bring a new perspective to your document, removing errors but also improving clarity and style.
If you need a proofreader or copyeditor, or you’d like to find out how professional proofreading and editing could help you or your business, please get in touch.
