FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s your turnaround time?
Turnaround time depends on the project to be proofread or edited. Projects such as ads, brochures, newsletters, etc. are returned within 24 hours; however, faster turnaround can often be accommodated. Books, annual reports and websites, of course, will take longer. A time estimate will be given and agreed upon before beginning your project.
What is the preferred file format for proofreading and editing?

Microsoft Word .doc or .docx is preferred, especially for longer documents such as books. Edits and suggestions will be made using Track Changes so you can see what edits were made. If you prefer, I can send a “clean” copy back to you in addition to the Track Changes version. I can also accommodate Google Docs and Google Slides. If you prefer, I can edit directly in Google Docs or Slides or download the file into a Word document or PDF. This will be agreed upon prior to beginning your project.

Can you proofread a PDF?

Sure! PDFs are edited using Adobe Acrobat Pro with easy-to-read highlights and markup tools. Since PDF proofs are usually the last stage before publishing, they are not recommended for heavy editing. Ideally, they should only be used as a last step after the document has been laid out.

Can you proofread from Google Docs or Google Slides?

Yes, I can. My preferred method is to download your Google Docs or Slides file to my desktop and send it back as a Microsoft Word .docx file with Track Changes added. If you prefer, I can edit directly in Google Docs or Slides. This will be agreed upon prior to beginning your project.

Can you proofread PowerPoint files?

Sure can. I use the PowerPoint Comment feature and highlight the changes in the presentation with “bubbles.” If you prefer, I can edit directly in your presentation. This will be agreed upon prior to beginning your project.

How do I send a website for proofing?

Please email a link to your website and make sure I have permission to view it. The corrections and suggestions will be returned, section by section, in a Word document with Track Changes. If you prefer, I can send a “clean” copy of the changes in addition to the Track Changes so you can copy and paste into your website.

How much is this going to cost me?

That depends on the size and type of your project. For general proofreading, many projects such as ads or brochures take an hour or less to proofread and will be charged $40.00 per project. Copyediting takes longer and is billed accordingly. For larger projects, such as books or movie scripts, please email me a completed copy of your book or script for an estimate. I will send you an estimate and a time frame based on word count and complexity. You will know how much your project will cost before we begin, and there won’t be any surprises. For larger projects, a deposit of 50% will be required; balance is due upon completion.

 

Do you give free samples?
Upon request, I can provide a sample page or two of your Word file with Track Changes applied so you can see what to expect. If you are not familiar with Track Changes and how to use it, I can also provide a free tutorial. I can also mark a PDF or a PowerPoint slide to demonstrate them as well.
Can you show me some samples of your work?

Alas, no. My clients’ projects are proprietary and confidential. However, I have been a working proofreader since 1980, with extensive experience in advertising, financial printing, book typesetting and editing, magazines and corporate communications. Please see the Testimonials page for more information.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, you can. When the project is completed, an invoice will be sent to your email, and you can pay directly from the invoice with a credit card or ACH. International clients can pay with PayPal. A mailed check works, too. For larger projects, such as books, a 50% deposit of the estimate total is required up front with the balance due upon completion. If you would like to discuss retainers or an ongoing schedule of work (fantastic!), then please reach out to me or call 803.370.4124.

I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR PROJECT.

15 + 13 =

“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.” 

― Dr. Seuss

“So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”
– Dr. Seuss