Copy Editing and Proofreading

Copy editing and proofreading and similar concepts and although seen as separate in the publishing world, they are in fact closely linked. 

For the sake of simplicity, I tend to package them together and perform both roles at the same. 

It is a good idea to have an expert check your work before publication. Mistakes, inconsistencies, poorly written text can harm your brand and your reputation.  ​

Making love to me is amazing. Wait! I meant... making love, to me, is amazing. The absence of two little commas nearly transformed me into a sex god.

~ Dark Jar Tin Zoo

Spell checkers are great but of limited value when it comes to checking consistency, repetition, awkward sentences, and misspelt words that correctly spell other words like 'won' and 'one'. 

Every communication from your business either strengthens or weakens your brand.  Consistency in message, tone and voice are vital. 

Whether you’re communicating to your customers, suppliers or stakeholders, a consistent, polished house style provides a professional edge for your brand’s image. 

Whether you are creating a brochure, styling an advert, considering a press release or merely composing an email, you need to draw out and elevate that brand ‘personality’ and positioning.

As a trained proofreading and copy editing professional I make a thorough, in-depth inspection of the material. I will work to make your material squeaky clean and polished for publication.  I look for and highlight issues and potential problems such as...

...Grammar, Word Usage, Spelling, Punctuation, Transitions, Wordiness Jargon, Formatting, Repetition, Libel, Other legalities, Consistency, House Style, Branding

Process

If you deliver on electronic (Word)

1. Conduct briefing by phone or face to face (location dependent)
2. I provide you with a proposal worked out by the number of words and project complexity
3. If you accept the proposal, you send me the electronic version of the text along with any style preferences or, if you have one, a company style guide.
4. Not only will I highlight errors but I will also make suggestions about clarity, wordiness, style and structure, etc. I will not change anything – I simply highlight for your awareness and action.
5. When you receive the edited version, you will need to go through each highlight and accept or reject.  

 
If you deliver hardcopy 

1. Conduct briefing by phone or face to face (location dependent)
2. I provide you with a proposal worked out by the number of words and project complexity
3. If you accept the proposal, you send me your hardcopy draft by post or by hand.  I will also need information on any style preferences or if you have one, a company style guide
4. Not only will I highlight errors but I will also make suggestions about clarity, wordiness, style and structure, etc. I will not change anything – I simply highlight for your awareness and action.
5. I will return the hardcopy with my handwritten amendments and suggestions.  

 
Remember… I'll save you money, time and hassle!

Call or contact for a chat, no obligation.

Allison at AJ-Marketing copy-edited and proofread my book, "Peace Lies Within". I highly recommend Allison! She did a wonderfully eagle-eyed and thorough job on picking up on my typos and grammar mistakes/inconsistencies, ensuring writing style and the use of punctuation was consistent throughout the book, and also offered invaluable suggestions for rewrites where my wording could be clearer.
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I feel she went above-and-beyond what I expected to really help me polish my work ready for publication as a self-publishing author.

I would not hesitate in recommending AJ-Marketing to others who are looking for a similar service.

Stella Tomlinson - Author