A lot of what I do is what many people would call copyediting - the comprehensive checking, correcting and refining of the first draft (and re-drafts) of a piece of text. Technically, proofreading is (or at least was in days gone by) the final check of the final draft, or 'proof', before it went (back) to the printer. But actually, it doesn't really matter what you call it, so just tell me what you want and I'll get on with it.
I have experience checking and correcting the following:Â
Academic texts: dissertations, journal articles, books.
Business documents: brochures, client reports (especially in the world of financial services).
Personal documents: CVs, cover letters, job applications.
Scientific and technical documents: instruction manuals, handbooks, research papers and proposals.
Books (non-fiction).
Websites.
What I also do:
As well as working on the accuracy of the text itself, I can help with the formatting of your document so that it not only reads well but looks right too. I can also make sure the document adheres to any relevant style guide, such as Chicago, Oxford, or APA.
What I do not do:
I do not work on legal documents such as wills or contracts - for this I advise you to use a company that specialises in such work, or to seek advice from a solicitor.
I do not work on essays or dissertations below master's level.
I cannot write an essay or dissertation for you, and can make only minor changes to the content of anything that is going to be marked. Proofreading is allowed, but it must be your work. Having your essay written (or substantially re-written) leads you into the murky and unethical world of plagiarism. This limitation does not apply to journal articles, books, or other work you are seeking to have published, for which any amount of professional help is permissible.