A Light Review is designed for content that has already been reviewed internally or checked using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot or Grammarly. It focuses on clarity, consistency, professionalism and obvious errors before publication.

Full Proofreading is a more detailed editorial review, including grammar, punctuation, consistency, formatting and publication-quality checks.

Simply, no.

A Light Review is a professional editorial service carried out by an experienced communications and publications specialist.

It focuses on clarity, tone, consistency, readability and publication readiness, helping organisations identify issues that automated tools and internal reviewers may overlook.

Internal reviewers often bring valuable subject knowledge, but they can be too close to the content to spot unclear wording, inconsistent messaging or assumptions that may confuse external readers.

A Light Review provides an independent professional assessment before publication.

Many clients now choose a Light Review because their content has already been reviewed internally or drafted with the help of AI tools. A Light Review provides professional human oversight without the cost of a full proofreading service.

If you're unsure which option is right for your project, send me your document and I'll recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective service.

Yes. Many organisations now use AI tools to create first drafts. I regularly review AI-assisted content to improve clarity, remove repetition, flag inconsistencies and ensure the final document reflects your organisation's tone of voice.

Editorial review is always completed by me personally. I do not use AI tools to proofread or assess client work.

Simple Word documents can often be priced using my published guide rates.

Typical prices start from:

Light Review: £25

Full Proofreading: £35

Larger projects are quoted individually based on length, complexity and turnaround requirements.

AI tools are excellent at identifying many basic language errors, but they cannot reliably assess audience expectations, organisational tone, context or publication suitability.

A Light Review combines professional editorial judgement with an objective external perspective, helping ensure your content is clear, credible and ready to represent your organisation.

PDF publications often involve additional checks that are not required in Word documents, including:

• page numbering
• cross-references
• headings
• captions
• tables
• layout consistency
• formatting issues

For this reason, PDF publications are usually quoted individually, although guide prices are available on my Services page.

Yes. PDF proofreading is one of my specialist services.

I regularly review annual reports, brochures, magazines, guides, newsletters, prospectuses and other publication-ready documents. PDF proofreading involves checking both the text and the way it appears on the page.

Most quotations are provided within one working day.

Simply email your document, page count or word count together with any deadline requirements.

AI tools can be extremely useful for generating drafts and identifying basic errors, but they cannot reliably assess tone, audience expectations, brand voice, appropriateness or publication quality.

Human editorial review provides judgement, context and attention to detail that automated tools can miss.

Possibly not.

If you're happy with your content and it's for internal use, automated tools may be sufficient.

However, if your document will be published, distributed to customers, sent to stakeholders or used to represent your organisation, a professional human review can help identify issues that automated tools often miss, including tone, consistency, layout problems and audience suitability.

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.

Yes. Most projects are completed personally by Kelly Owen, Director of Ultimate Proof Ltd.

Where additional support is required for larger projects, Ultimate Proof Ltd may use carefully selected editorial associates. Quality control and client communication remain under Kelly's oversight throughout.

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.

Yes. While many clients engage Ultimate Proof Ltd for individual documents and publications, the business can also provide additional editorial capacity for larger or multi-stage projects where required.

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.

Yes. Whether your draft was written entirely by hand or started with AI, my process is the same: a careful, human review for accuracy, clarity, consistency and voice. 

The only difference is that AI-assisted drafts often need a closer look at tone – I'll flag anything that feels generic or 'off' for your organisation, not just spelling and grammar.

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.

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.

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.
• 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). 

Yes, I work with a small number of business authors (and the occasional fiction writer) each year on line editing and proofreading for manuscripts that are structurally complete and approaching the final stages before publication.

I work particularly well with authors writing in the areas of leadership, change, faith, social impact or professional expertise – subject areas where I understand both the content and the audience. 

I take on a limited number of author projects alongside my B2B work, so if you're interested in working together I'd recommend getting in touch early.

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.

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.