Proofreading is checking your final, edited copy before you publish it – primarily looking for errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. It will also pick up errors in consistency and design, such as incorrect captions or numbers in contents pages, or missing information.

Editing is reviewing the copy before the proofreading stage – making sure that it flows and reads well, that sentences are written clearly and concisely, and that the tone of voice is consistent. 

As the two services are closely related, I often provide them together – so your quote can include both services, which can be more cost- and time-efficient.

If you are unsure which service, you need, send me a sample of your copy and I will be happy to advise you.

While I feel a particular pull towards faith organisations and charities, I work with a wide range of clients across a number of sectors – including finance, marketing, heritage, education, consumer, and environment. I've covered a lot of subjects in my 25+ years' working in publications, communications and proofreading, so can support most needs.

I work on all kinds of documents and business communications – for example, I've worked on:

• adverts
• packaging 
• training manuals 
• annual reports
• yearbooks
• magazines
• prospectuses
• brochures
• websites
• signage
• learning modules
• catalogues
• blog posts
• social media posts. 

I specialise in business communications – although I have also edited fiction and have worked on scripts, novellas, crime fiction, children's books and historical non-fiction. 

I don't proofread dissertations (but know very good proofreaders who do, so feel free to ask for a recommendation). 

I have access to a proofreader or editor to cover most subject areas, if you need a particular specialist – please see the Reviews page for examples of recent projects.

Turnaround varies, depending on the amount of text and the service you require. As a guide, I can usually turnaround up to 5,000 within 24 hours, but this depends on the quality of the text and the type of service you require. 

If it is urgent, I can usually book work in within 24 hours, and sometimes the same day. I will advise you of turnaround time before we begin work or, if you’ve given me a deadline, confirmation that I can meet that date.

It's always worth contacting me no matter how urgent your project is. I am usually at my desk and can often accommodate short-notice work.

My pricing is usually based on an hourly rate, but as each job is different, I quote per job based on how long I think it will take me. Most proofreading projects fall between £50 and £300.

I’ll always provide a quote for your approval before starting work.

As an experienced proofreader and editor, I work quickly and accurately, so my service offers excellent value.

Please send me your word count or job brief (ideally with a sample), and I will come back to you quickly with a quotation or a ballpark cost. 

I can offer tiered rates for high-volume work; however, I will always aim to achieve the highest standard – because, ultimately, that's exactly why you have employed me – rather than undersell my services.

I'll always tell you honestly before I start – not halfway through.

Before beginning any project I'll review your document and give you a clear quote based on its current condition and what it needs. If it's clear at that stage that it requires more extensive work than you initially described, I'll flag this upfront and revise the quote accordingly. You'll never receive an unexpected invoice.

Occasionally, once I'm working on a document, I'll spot something that would benefit from additional attention – a section that needs heavier editing, or inconsistencies that run throughout. If that happens I'll contact you straightaway, explain what I've found, and give you the option to extend the brief or keep things within the original scope. The decision is always yours.

My aim is to be straightforward and transparent at every stage. If you have any concerns about cost before we start, just ask – I'd rather have that conversation early than leave you with any uncertainty.

The document should be provided in electronic format, this can be via email or using reliable cloud file storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive, or your own VPN server. 

I accept most file formats, such MS Office e.g. Word, or PDF. I can also work on your own equipment if your security systems require it.

I can amend your website directly if you want to add me to your CMS, for example, Wordpress, or work online using software such as GoProof or GoogleDocs.

While it's saving my clients lots of time, AI-generated content often lacks accuracy, clarity and a natural flow. It can include awkward phrasing, factual errors and a robotic tone that most readers will spot a mile away. 

As a human editor, I will refine the grammar, improve readability and ensure consistency, making your content more engaging and professional. I can also add a personal touch, fact-check important details and optimise content for SEO. 

By polishing your AI-written text, I will turn it into high-quality, credible content that connects with readers and meets professional standards.

I have access to a selection of useful digital tools, such as the spellcheck function in MS Word and PerfectIT, both locally stored licences. 

Using AI is becoming increasingly common in business writing; however, these are simply tools to help with an otherwise human-focused task. You may even find that you get overwhelmed trying to make judgements about all the options generative AI offers you. Part of my job and expertise is in making those decisions quickly and precisely that works best for your specific document (just as an electrician will use wire cutters, he will still use his knowledge and skill to know which wires to cut and when). 

I aim to keep informed of any new technology that will make the editing process smoother and more efficient to ensure I can give you the very best proofreading service, but without compromising on the quality of the end result. 

Note that I will not upload your work to an external (cloud) AI software without your permission or prior knowledge. Please see the section below that covers my use of digital tools in more detail.

If you have any concerns in this area, please do have a chat with me.

As an online business working with businesses, I take cybersecurity seriously and aim to adhere to the key principles of the Cyber Essentials standard.

• Devices such as laptops and mobile phones have sophisticated internet and hard drive protection with ESET business cybersecurity software. 
• Emails are encrypted through Microsoft Exchange.
• Laptops have encryption and anti-theft enabled.
• Internet routers are protected via a built-in firewall.
• Multi-factor authentication is used for all cloud systems.
• VPN is used when working remotely.
• OneDrive Business Account is used soley for storage/upload of files related to the business.
• Passwords are changed periodically.
• I use safe file storage and transfer through OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive. I can also work through your VPN server or on your own company hardware if you prefer.
• Any printed copies I have used to proofread your files are shredded onsite as soon as the work is complete.
• I delete any digital files within a reasonable time after the work is completed and the invoice paid. 
• I am happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement if required.
• I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
• Also see my Privacy Policy relating to how we handle any data through this website.
• My cybersecurity systems are checked routinely and were last reviewed by a Cyber Essentials  IT specialist on 17th March 2025.

Yes, and this is something I encourage as it helps me too. A sample proofread will help you see how my service can improve your document and how the process of works.

I will send you an electronic invoice in PDF on completion of the work. I accept payments via BACS / online bank transfer. 

My terms are 14 days (a booking fee may be required; 30-day terms can be arranged for charities, education and non-profit organisations). 

All clients are asked to agree to my terms of business covering key elements of the business transaction and the project requirements, such as booking, invoicing and payments and liability, summarised below: 

Scope of Work

Before any project begins, we’ll agree the details in writing – including the service required, the format, the schedule and the fee.

How I Work

All work is carried out independently using my own equipment. I complete the work myself unless we agree to involve a trusted freelance professional.

Quotes & Fees

Quotes are based on the complexity, condition and length of your document, as well as the level of editing or coordination required. Additional work or extra proofing passes are quoted separately.

Payment Terms

Invoices are due within 14 days.

Charities, schools, colleges and public‑sector organisations may request 30‑day terms if needed.

Confidentiality

Your files are handled securely and treated as confidential. I use encrypted email, MFA, secure cloud storage and strong cybersecurity practices.

Quality Assurance

I take great care with every project, but no proofreader or editor can guarantee 100% error‑free text. You are responsible for final checks before print or publication. If issues arise, I’ll respond promptly and fairly.

Cancellation

Either party may cancel in writing. If exceptional circumstances arise, we’ll discuss a fair way forward.

Copyright

You retain copyright of all materials you supply. After payment, copyright for any edited or newly created content transfers to you.

Please see the Terms page for the full details.

While I have proofread a number of fiction works in the past, this is not something I specialise in. 

Business and fiction proofreading are two very different specialisms. I know some excellent fiction editors so if you'd like a recommendation, feel free to ask!

I don't offer academic proofreading for students, but I know professionals that do!

If you are a student looking for help with your dissertation, I'd be happy to provide the details of companies I recommend who specialise in academic proofreading and editing.

While the purpose of my service is to ensure your document is error-free, and my priority is giving you a quality and reliable service, no proofreader can guarantee they will pick up 100% of the errors in any document. 

The CIEP says that 'a good copyeditor picks up 80% of errors; a good proofreader picks up 80% of what's left'.

So, it is reasonable that, on occasion, I may miss an error or introduce a small error during marking up. However, this type of issue usually only occurs when I've had to rush a piece of work through for a client, or if there are a vast amount of proofreading checks needed. 

It's also helpful (and better overall) if I can see the final version (live website, print PDF, etc) to check that everything is in order. Say, for example, I proofread your Annual Report in PDF. It's the first time I've seen the document and it needs to be proofread against your house style. The first pass of proofreading is going to be more detailed and involve multiple amends to aspects such as consistency, style, layout as well as typos and grammar. If I send the proof back to you and you've opted to amend the file and run the final checks in-house, that is okay (and fairly standard practice), but it doesn't give me the opportunity to do a complete proofread. A second, final read would enable me to pick up any small errors missed the first time or that have even been introduced at the amends stage.

Some clients build in multiple proof stages into their schedules. Yes, it costs more this way, but it saves lots of extra and avoidable correction work in the long run.

Some proofreaders have a 'percentage error rate', but I don't believe this is helpful. I abide by the CIEP's Professional Conduct Rules, which recommends that 'it’s better to think in terms of the editor making the text fit for purpose within the limits of their brief. There should be consistency and clarity, and no barriers to the reader understanding the meaning of the text'.

In saying that, I appreciate how frustrating it can be to find errors in content that you have paid to be proofread and I will do all I can to correct the errors found. Sometimes it just needs a quick email to check one error with me, other times you need a full reproof.

I do hold Professional Indemnity Insurance but, in my 25+-year career, I've never had to call on it.

It's really important to me that you are happy with my service and I value our relationship, so I'm always happy to talk to you about any issues you find and if there are ways we can improve the process to reduce even further any errors in your work. I can also advise when you book the job in what level of proofreading or editing is best for your needs. 

Please also see Quality Assurance in my Terms and Conditions.

Good question – and it's worth being clear, because the two services are quite different.

My Editing & Proofreading service is focused on your finished or near-finished content. You've written it, it's been through your internal review, and you need an experienced pair of eyes to check it's accurate, consistent and ready to publish. This is a precise, detail-focused service that works best when your content is largely settled.

My Publications & Communications Support service is something broader. It's for organisations that need help managing the process of producing content – not just checking it at the end. That might mean coordinating contributors, managing a publication schedule, providing editorial oversight across a project, or stepping in as an experienced extra pair of hands when your team is stretched.

In short: proofreading is about the words on the page; communications support is about making sure the right words get to the page, on time and to a high standard.

If you're not sure which you need, just get in touch – I'm happy to talk it through.

Quite a variety – and that's one of the things I enjoy most about this work. No two projects are exactly the same.

On the proofreading and editing side, I regularly work on annual reports and impact publications, prospectuses and admissions materials, newsletters and member communications, policy and guidance documents, charity and campaign materials, website copy and digital content, corporate magazines and journals, and training materials and handbooks.

On the publications and communications support side, projects tend to be broader in scope – coordinating a newsletter from brief to distribution, managing the editorial process for an annual report involving multiple contributors, supporting a communications team through a busy campaign period, providing editorial oversight for a website refresh or rebrand, or stepping in as an experienced extra pair of hands when capacity is stretched.

I'm equally comfortable with a single document that needs careful checking before it goes to print, and a multi-stage project that needs someone to keep all the moving parts on track.

If you have something in mind that isn't on this list, it's always worth asking – if I can't help, I'll say so honestly and may be able to point you in the right direction.

These are the sectors where I do my best work and feel most at home – but no, I'm not exclusive to them. 

Over the years I've also supported creative agencies, design businesses, professional organisations and corporate clients, and I'm always open to projects where the work itself is interesting and the fit feels right.

If you're unsure whether I'm the right person for your project, just get in touch – I'm happy to have a conversation.

Yes, within the right brief. My background in managing publications at Natural England and coordinating editorial projects means I can provide structured oversight from planning through to final sign-off, working alongside your team throughout.

Yes, I do provide expert proofreading, editing and content refinement as standalone services. See the separate FAQs below.

I fit in wherever you need me: as an extra pair of hands during busy periods, as a project support for a specific publication, or as ongoing assistance for your communications workload.

Yes – this is something I'm actively open to. If you're a purpose-driven organisation looking for part-time, hybrid or remote communications or publications support on a contract or employed basis, I'd love to hear from you.

I'm particularly interested in roles within charities, faith organisations, conservation and heritage bodies, and education – organisations where communications genuinely matter and where I can bring both editorial rigour and project coordination experience to a team.

I'm happy to share my CV on request – just get in touch for an initial conversation.

Yes, I work with clients across the UK. I’m based in Cheltenham and can attend in‑person meetings locally if required. I'm also happy to meet online via Zoom, Teams or GoogleMeet.

For proofreading and editing, I can often turn around urgent work within 24 hours, and sometimes the same day – it's always worth asking, even at short notice.

For communications and publications support, it depends on the scope of the project and my current availability. For larger or ongoing engagements I'd typically need a week or two to get properly set up, but for smaller projects or time-sensitive support I'm often more flexible than you might expect.

The best thing to do is get in touch as early as possible – even if your project is weeks away. That way we can agree timelines, scope and working arrangements before the pressure is on, which always leads to a better result for everyone.

Just send me an email or message via my contact page. We can arrange a short call to discuss your project and decide the best way forward.