Proofreading

Making You Look Good

Proofreading deals only with presentation.

I cannot stress this enough. A proofread is not an edit and has almost nothing in common with an edit (though an edit may tangentially look at spelling). Proofreading does not deal with the content, whether it’s logically organized, cohesive, or interesting to read. It doesn’t care if the work is repetitious or boring, or filled with jargon and inconsistencies. Proofreading focuses on accuracy. It cares about:

  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • the Table of Contents
  • Formatting—e.g., widow or orphan lines or phrases; misplaced style choices
  • If the footnotes point to the right place

That’s it.

Proofreading is the last step in the editorial review process. There is no reason for you to proof unless and until you’ve already worked through developmental and copy-line reviews.

A proofread is absolutely crucial to your work. A book that looks like a mess, and is filled with typos and formatting problems, immediately destroys the author’s credibility as well as reader interest. No edit can replace a final proofread.

Make sure your manuscript looks as good as it is.

There is no reason for #proofreading unless and until you’ve completed other #editing. #writingcommunity #selfpublishing Share on X

The Cold Read

Crucial to a proofread is that it is what’s known as a cold read. That means the proof editor hasn’t read your work before. And that means your proof editor should not be the same person as your editor or writing coach. After a while, our brains simply see what we want to have written, not what we actually wrote.

Does this mean I don’t proofread?

Correct. This means that I don’t personally proofread. However, if you and I are working together on editing, I’ve got you covered.

I work with several excellent proof editors, all delightful humans who are very, very good at what they do. This means you get an editorial team looking after your work, holding each other accountable and educating each other, and you.

The proofread comes before your book has been placed into layout. Authors are responsible for checking the layout, unless you contract for a second review.

What if you only want a proofread?

I can’t, in good conscience, recommend that any manuscript proceed to publication with only a proof review. You aren’t doing yourself or your book any favors, and it hurts my heart when writers don’t want to see this. If a proofread is all you are looking for, I recommend you seek out a dedicated proofreader to assist you.

Jump to the form.

What do you get when you contract for editing?

All edits include:

  • a cover letter addressing the most important themes and takeaways.
  • two versions of your mms, one showing all changes, the other with all changes accepted. These docs also contain specific comments, questions, and suggestions.
  • in the case of a line and copyedit or proof edit, a style sheet.
  • a follow-up call to discuss my edits and your questions.

Want to get a quote for your specific project? I’ll need you to complete the form below, after which we’ll schedule a complimentary consultation. Be sure to review Working with Alexandra for more details.

A Note on Scheduling

I am often booked out several months in advance for editing projects. If you are interested in reserving a spot on my calendar, please fill out the form below and mention “editing reservation” under Additional Information.

Are you ready to get started?

Thinking about working with Alexandra as your editor?

Complete the form below and schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation.

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