What is Proof-Editing?
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 22
Proof-editing is a hybrid editing service that sits somewhere between line and copy-editing and proofreading. Line and copy-editing not only corrects grammar or spelling mistakes, but also involves stylistic changes to strengthen your voice, whereas proofreading focuses on catching lingering errors after line and copy-editing. Generally speaking, proof-editing means that once the process is complete, there will be no additional proofreading afterwards.
In this post, I’ll explain what my proof-editing service involves (and what it doesn’t) and why it’s a great option for writers who are either on a budget, or who have developed their writing – or both!
My Proof-Editing Scope
Clarity: Ensuring your writing is clear and easy to understand for your readers.
Consistency: Maintaining consistent use of names, terms, character voices, and style throughout the manuscript.
Dialogue tags and action beats: Checking that dialogue tags and action beats are used correctly.
Grammar and syntax: Correcting grammar issues and ensuring proper sentence structure to enhance readability.
Missing and repeated words: Self-explanatory. Spotting missing or duplicated words that may have been overlooked during writing.
Point of View: Ensuring your characters stay in their own heads, rather than head-hopping or leaving their POV.
Potential copyright, libel or sensitive content: Highlighting any content that may be problematic in terms of legal issues.
Punctuation: Ensuring punctuation is used correctly and consistently.
Repetition: Addressing repetitive wording or phrases that might weaken the text.
Spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation: Self-explanatory. Correcting spelling errors, ensuring hyphenation is consistent, and checking for proper capitalisation
Standard formatting in Word with Styles: Applying consistent indentation, paragraph styles, and section breaks.
Stereotypes, misrepresentations, marginalisation: Identifying and flagging any potentially harmful ideas, words, or phrases in your writing.
When Proof-Editing Isn’t Enough:
At the end of the day, I want to ensure you’re publishing something of high quality. While proof-editing is a great option and I’m happy to highlight occasional issues beyond the scope of my service, there may be times when I’ll recommend a line and copy-edit instead:
If your manuscript needs adjustments to the flow or pacing of scenes or sentences.
If the dialogue is not compelling or grounded (e.g., ‘talking heads’).
If you’re looking to create suspenseful chapter endings or improve scene transitions for better pacing or structure.
If your manuscript relies too much on ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’.
If your writing relies on weak verbs or has an overuse of adverbs or adverbial phrases.
If you’d like an editorial report where I analyse your writing, explain my suggestions, and offer tips for improvement.
If your manuscript requires fact-checking.
If you want a style sheet.
If cost is a concern, don’t worry! I offer payment plans and can adjust the scope of my work to fit your budget. My goal is to provide you with the right level of service to help your manuscript reach its full potential.
Why Proof-Editing Is a Great Middle Ground for Writers
Proof-editing is the perfect middle ground for writers who might feel they don’t need a full line and copy-edit but still want to ensure their manuscript is consistent and as error-free as possible. It’s especially useful for:
Writers on a tight budget: Proof-editing is a more affordable option compared to a full line and copy-edit, but still offers significant value.
Writers who have refined their writing: If you feel your manuscript is in a solid shape and you just need that final layer of polish.
Writers of Erotica: Even if there’s more spice than plot, your book deserves to be free of distracting grammar or punctuation issues. My proof-editing service ensures that your manuscript is grammatically correct and consistent, so your readers can stay immersed in the passion.
If you’re someone who has already completed multiple revisions and has honed their line craft, proof-editing could be the perfect fit for your project. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact me, and I’d be happy to discuss which editing service works best for you.
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