About Kelly.
Ultimate Proof is run by me, Kelly Owen – a professionally trained proofreader with more than 25 years’ experience in publishing, editorial coordination and communications. Alongside proofreading, I also support organisations with content workflows and publication preparation.
I founded Ultimate Proof to support organisations that need clear, accurate and well‑organised communications – and someone calm and reliable to keep everything on track.
Over 25 years in business publishing.
My career began in agency publishing, coordinating editorial schedules and managing client communications for brands including CNN, Disney and Coca‑Cola. I later moved into public‑sector and charity communications, producing newsletters, policy reports and digital content while managing multi‑stage workflows across large teams.
Today, I combine project management with editorial expertise to help organisations deliver publications and communications with confidence. I work with charities, schools, public‑sector teams and creative businesses, offering support with:
- Project management for publications and comms
- Editorial workflow coordination
- Content planning and contributor management
- Editing, proofreading and quality control
- Design and layout checks before publication
I’m known for being organised, approachable and detail‑focused – someone who brings order to complex projects without losing the human touch.
If you need dependable support to keep your content moving, I’d love to help.
How I work.
I offer flexible, as‑you‑need‑it support. Some clients come to me for careful, reliable proofreading; others need help coordinating a publication, managing content workflows or keeping a project on track during busy periods. Many need a blend of both – and that’s where I’m at my best.
I’m known for being steady, approachable and easy to work with. I keep communication clear, deadlines realistic and projects moving smoothly, without adding pressure to your workload.
My aim is always the same: to help you deliver content that’s accurate, consistent and ready to share with confidence.
Who I support.
I regularly work with charities, schools, colleges, public‑sector teams, creative agencies and small businesses across Gloucestershire and beyond. Whether you’re producing a report, prospectus, newsletter or policy document, I can step in quickly and provide the level of support you need.
If you’d like to talk through a project or explore how I can help, I’d love to hear from you.
A trained pair of eyes.
When you’ve spent weeks or months working on a document, it’s almost impossible to see every small mistake. A fresh, independent review makes all the difference. My role is simple: to make sure your content reads smoothly, looks professional and communicates exactly what you intend.
Clients value working with me because:
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I understand the publishing process from both agency and client perspectives
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I work carefully and efficiently to meet deadlines
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I focus on protecting the clarity and credibility of your message.
"We’ve worked with Kelly and Ultimate Proof over a number of years. They’ve consistently provided a timely and high-quality proofing service, with excellent customer service to boot."
– Mergermarket
Credentials.
I follow the Professional Practice Code of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and keep my editorial skills up to date. Below are training courses I've taken relating to editing and proofreading.
| Course | Provider | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Proofreading 2: Headway (Merit) | CIEP | Module-based course |
| Level 2 Diploma in Proofreading (Distinction) | NCC | Module-based course |
| Complete Proofreader | Chapterhouse | Module-based course |
| How to mark up PDFs using Adobe Acrobat | PTC | Online half-day course |
| Applying AI: Tools, Ethics and First Practical Steps | PTC | Online half-day course |
| Essential Copyright for Publishers | PTC | Online study |
| Proofreading PDFs | PTC | Online study |
| Marketing Fundamentals | CIM | Module-based course |
| Word for Practical Editing | CIEP | Online study |
| Editorial Style | PTC | Online study |
| Editing References | PTC | Online study |
| Editorial Project Managment | PTC | Online study |
PTC – Publishing Training Centre / CIEP – Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
CIM – Chartered Institute of Marketing / NCC – National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges
Author of The Dragonfly Story.
In 2018, I was a finalist in the JustGiving Awards – out of 40,000 entries – for writing and publishing a children’s book, The Dragonfly Story.
Inspired by a personal tragedy, the book aims to support bereaved families. Over 10,000 copies have sold to date.
I've also published Life, Without You – a journal through grief, as a bereavement aid. Both available on Amazon.
Feel free to ask me more about it!
