How can a freelance proofreader help?
Our eyes will see words that aren't there and our brain will understand something we've written, even when it doesn't quite say what we want it to say! So, it's always beneficial for someone else to read our writing before it goes to print or is posted online.
Product brochures, magazines, catalogues, reports and websites can be particularly challenging for the creator to proofread, especially when they've worked on them for months and know the content inside out.
Fresh eyes and an experienced approach
I've proofread plenty of designed materials for marketing agencies and understand the need to break down a lengthy communication into a detailed checklist. It's almost impossible to accurately check headings, image captions, page numbers and the main text in one read-through!
Because I won't have seen the material before, I won't know what the content should say – this is hugely helpful for noticing a missing or double word, for example.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading enhances a communication. I typically check spelling, grammar, punctuation, word choice, clarity of meaning and consistency (of both words and design layout).
Proofreading PDFs
Proofreading Word documents
Proofreading online content
Proofreading on paper
Our eyes will see words that aren't there and our brain will understand something we've written, even when it doesn't quite say what we want it to say! So, it's always beneficial for someone else to read our writing before it goes to print or is posted online.
Product brochures, magazines, catalogues, reports and websites can be particularly challenging for the creator to proofread, especially when they've worked on them for months and know the content inside out.
Fresh eyes and an experienced approach
I've proofread plenty of designed materials for marketing agencies and understand the need to break down a lengthy communication into a detailed checklist. It's almost impossible to accurately check headings, image captions, page numbers and the main text in one read-through!
Because I won't have seen the material before, I won't know what the content should say – this is hugely helpful for noticing a missing or double word, for example.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading enhances a communication. I typically check spelling, grammar, punctuation, word choice, clarity of meaning and consistency (of both words and design layout).
Proofreading PDFs
- I use Adobe markup tools and comments to suggest changes.
- Marks are placed within the text and accompanied by concise comments to explain the correction or query. Please take a look at my Useful Guide to PDF Markup.
- My client then reviews the proofread file and implements any changes in the original file.
Proofreading Word documents
- With the Track Changes function turned on, I change the text where required (sometimes with an explanatory comment, if helpful) or add a comment to check my understanding or raise a query.
- I return the proofread file for my client to work through, accepting or rejecting the changes and resolving queries.
Proofreading online content
- I can proofread online content (web pages, blogs, online assessments) in different ways. For example, a web page can be saved as a PDF before proofreading, or I can copy out the content into Word. Alternatively, I can take screen shots and use Adobe comments to suggest changes.
Proofreading on paper
- I can proofread hard-copy documents and am trained to use the British Standards Institution's proof-correction marks.
"I have worked with Jenny on projects for the entirety of my time at Cappfinity. At all times, I have found her friendly and approachable. The work that she delivers is always to an exceptional standard, and she is willing to go above and beyond in offering constructive comments too.
Jenny deals with last-minute changes and is flexible and pragmatic in finding time to complete work, whilst always keeping to or exceeding deadlines.
I would be more than happy to recommend Jenny to others.
Amy Stuart-Cook, Client Success Manager, Cappfinity
"Jenny has worked with us for a couple of years on a range of publications including magazines, client projects and various ad-hoc research reports – all with different requirements. Jenny is a consummate professional and understands the magazine production process thoroughly.
She is efficient, flexible and I trust her judgement 100%. I feel very lucky to have her as an extended part of my team – her work is invaluable!"
Mary Appleton, Director and Editor in Chief, Changeboard