Q: Can’t I just use spell-check and call it a day?
A: The review features included with word-processing applications are useful tools. Certainly, use them before having a human take a look at your work, especially if you’re paying the human. But know that they are not as reliable as a human eyeball and intellect. It's nearly impossible to proofread one's own work effectively, even for editorial professionals. The writer is just too familiar with it. If you care about the document you have produced, have someone—anyone other than you—proofread it for you. Professional or otherwise.
Q: Doesn’t a copy editor also proofread while editing?
A: Because the two editorial services focus on different, albeit related, aspects of a document (see comparison on the Services page), they are best performed separately for the sake of efficiency and effectiveness. That said, a certain amount of overlap exists between my proofreading and copyediting in the sense that, if I am asked to proofread a document and notice a mistake that falls outside the jurisdiction of proofreading, but that has the potential to embarrass the client, I will feel an obligation to query it.
Q: Should I hire you to do both the copyediting and the proofreading of my project?
A: Totally up to you. Depending on the length of your project, it could make sense for me to do the copyediting, then, after you have revised the document, the proofreading. If the document is lengthy or text-heavy, it would be best for me to put at least one day between the two jobs in order to set fresh eyes on the work.
Q: Do you ever make—or miss—mistakes?
A: Because I am human, yes. Despite being a perfectionist in my work, this happens on occasion. For an excellent article on the topic of mistakes made by professional “mistake-catchers,” check out this page on the website of editor Arlene Prunkl. In particular, see the paragraph titled, “Mistakes in our professional work.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Q: I don’t love all this newfangled technology. Can you just mark up my hard copy the old-fashioned way, with red ink right on the page?
A: You betcha! And I offer free pick-up and delivery within Chittenden County.
Q: I’d like to have you mark on hard copy, but I’m not familiar with standard proofreader’s marks. Can you adjust your marking methods?
A: Of course!
Q: What are my payment options?
A: I accept payment via PayPal, Venmo, and personal or company check. Payment is expected within 30 days. For longer projects, I will send an invoice for a progress payment. See Rates page for more information.
A: The review features included with word-processing applications are useful tools. Certainly, use them before having a human take a look at your work, especially if you’re paying the human. But know that they are not as reliable as a human eyeball and intellect. It's nearly impossible to proofread one's own work effectively, even for editorial professionals. The writer is just too familiar with it. If you care about the document you have produced, have someone—anyone other than you—proofread it for you. Professional or otherwise.
Q: Doesn’t a copy editor also proofread while editing?
A: Because the two editorial services focus on different, albeit related, aspects of a document (see comparison on the Services page), they are best performed separately for the sake of efficiency and effectiveness. That said, a certain amount of overlap exists between my proofreading and copyediting in the sense that, if I am asked to proofread a document and notice a mistake that falls outside the jurisdiction of proofreading, but that has the potential to embarrass the client, I will feel an obligation to query it.
Q: Should I hire you to do both the copyediting and the proofreading of my project?
A: Totally up to you. Depending on the length of your project, it could make sense for me to do the copyediting, then, after you have revised the document, the proofreading. If the document is lengthy or text-heavy, it would be best for me to put at least one day between the two jobs in order to set fresh eyes on the work.
Q: Do you ever make—or miss—mistakes?
A: Because I am human, yes. Despite being a perfectionist in my work, this happens on occasion. For an excellent article on the topic of mistakes made by professional “mistake-catchers,” check out this page on the website of editor Arlene Prunkl. In particular, see the paragraph titled, “Mistakes in our professional work.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Q: I don’t love all this newfangled technology. Can you just mark up my hard copy the old-fashioned way, with red ink right on the page?
A: You betcha! And I offer free pick-up and delivery within Chittenden County.
Q: I’d like to have you mark on hard copy, but I’m not familiar with standard proofreader’s marks. Can you adjust your marking methods?
A: Of course!
Q: What are my payment options?
A: I accept payment via PayPal, Venmo, and personal or company check. Payment is expected within 30 days. For longer projects, I will send an invoice for a progress payment. See Rates page for more information.