Frequently Asked Questions

What is Proofreading?

Technically, proofreading means checking the typesetter’s work – a ‘proof’ – to the edited document, ensuring that the editorial marks made by the copy-editor have been followed by the typesetter. The proofreader only acts as a quality check and is not normally responsible for overall accuracy and consistency. However, these days proofreading frequently covers checking for accuracy and is often performed ‘on screen’ and without sight of any edited manuscript.

What is Copy-editing?

Copy-editing is the process whereby a copy-editor ensures that a document, or ‘copy’, is correct in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation, and also consistency, content, style and structure.

What does a Copy-editor/Proofreader not do?

A copy-editor/proofreader does not rewrite or restructure text; does not research beyond basic fact-checking; does not ghost-write; and does not get involved with seeking permission to use copyright material.

Why use a copy-editing/proofreading service when there is a Spelling & Grammar checker on the computer?

The Spelling & Grammar checker cannot detect the different meanings of phonetically similar words: such as there, their or they’re; sight or site; principal or principle; licence or license; compliment or complement, and so on. A poorly presented document or website containing misspellings and grammatical errors can give the wrong image of you or your business.

What services do you offer?

ProofreadingExpert.com will check your document(s) to ensure they are correct in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation, and also consistency, content, style and structure. Whether your document is business related, or connected with writing or publishing, or if you are an individual with a specific project in mind, ProofreadingExpert.com will provide the solution to an error-free final document.

We also provide a service worldwide to people for whom English is a second language. In producing documents in a non-native language, some word meanings can be lost in translation, or a misspelling can convey a totally different meaning. We will proofread and copy-edit your documents to help convey the correct meaning in English and a first-class image for you or your business.

How do I decide on which service I need?

This depends on your requirements. If, for example, you have a website and want it to be error free, our proofreading and copy-editing service includes checking the spelling, punctuation, grammar, consistency and formatting, plus a look at the clarity and structure of the communication.

If you would like to discuss the services you require, please contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1260 290 006, or e-mail enquiries@proofreadingexpert.com, or complete the enquiry form on our Contact Us page.