info@ellisoneditorial.co.uk

Proofreading Services

For most projects

Format: Microsoft Word doc

Price: Subject to review of a sample – a 500-word sample is free of charge

Have a query? Fill in the form at the bottom of the page. I'll be in touch within 48 hours.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final polish for your manuscript, catching any lingering typos, spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, or formatting issues. We ensure your book is publication-ready with a flawless finish.

What it includes

Corrections for typos, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Checks for minor formatting inconsistencies (e.g., spacing, font).
A final pass to ensure a clean, professional manuscript.

Benefits for authors

Deliver a clean, corrected manuscript for publishing or submission.
Boost credibility with readers, agents, or publishers.
Gain peace of mind knowing your book is polished to perfection.

What it doesn't include

Structural or stylistic feedback (handled in manuscript evaluation or line editing).
Grammar or clarity revisions (handled in copyediting).
Content rewriting or reorganisation.

Information

Your manuscript is proofread using Track Changes in Word.
You receive three copies: your original, the edited version with comments, and a clean copy with all tracking and comments removed (see example below).
You receive a style sheet and an editorial report.
You can take advantage of a free 500-word sample edit.

Proofreading FAQs

How do you ensure my manuscript adheres to UK English spelling and punctuation conventions?

I meticulously correct spelling (e.g., ‘colour’ v. ‘color’, ‘organise’ v. ‘organize’) and punctuation (e.g., single quotation marks for dialogue, per UK style) to align with British English standards, using guides like the Oxford Style Manual. I also check for consistent use of UK-specific terms and ensure punctuation – such as commas or en dashes – enhances clarity without altering your narrative’s tone.

What specific errors do you correct during proofreading to polish my manuscript?

I focus on catching and correcting errors in grammar (e.g., subject-verb agreement), spelling (e.g., ‘there’ v. ‘their’), punctuation (e.g., misplaced commas), and formatting (e.g., inconsistent indents or extra leading between quotations). For example, I’d use non-breaking spaces (U+00A0) for phrases like ‘10 km’ or non-breaking hyphens (U+2011) for ‘well-known’ to prevent line breaks, ensuring a professional, polished presentation.

How do you maintain my manuscript’s intended style while fixing minor issues?

I preserve your stylistic choices, such as unique phrasing or deliberate tone, while correcting only clear errors. For instance, I’d retain intentional sentence fragments in dialogue for effect but fix misplaced apostrophes (e.g., ‘its’ v. ‘it’s’). I also ensure formatting consistency, like applying small caps for chapter titles if used, to maintain your manuscript’s polished look without changing its voice.