Proofreading
and editing
Why choose me?
1) I have the skills and experience needed
With extensive experience in proofreading and editing a variety of documents, and a masters degree in creative writing, I am ideally placed to help you present your copy to a professional standard.
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I have also taught English as a foreign language and achieved the CELTA qualification (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), so I know what to look for when it comes to grammar, spelling and punctuation as well.
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2) I can help you convey your (written) message
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Like all forms of communication, effective writing has a clear message to communicate and is clear on who the audience for that message is. I'll work with you to ensure your writing conveys your intended message clearly and that it does so in a way which is appropriate for the intended audience.
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​For a free no-obligation quote, contact me with details of your project.
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Find out more about the services I offer; my relevant qualifications and experience; plus testimonials from clients and employers; below.​
Proofreading Service
A proofread of your copy can include any or all of the following as required (using your style guide if you have one):
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Spelling
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Grammar
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Punctuation
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Formatting
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Sense-check
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Glossary/hyperlinks/references
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Editing Service
If you would also like your copy edited, I can suggest edits on aspects such as:
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making the writing flow more easily.
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alternatives to specialised/technical language.
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use of Plain English (clear, concise and accessible).
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I also offer editing services for poetry. These edits can include:
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For poems: theme, form, metaphor, rhythm, rhyme, line order.
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For anthologies: order of the creative pieces, foreword, dedications, author bios etc. (See also Copywriting page, for support with promoting an anthology.)
Qualifications
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MA in Creative Writing (distinction) including poetry, fiction and travel memoir.​
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- CELTA qualification (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults) and experience teaching EFL and ESOL in the UK.
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BA (hons) degree in Drama including playwriting and comedy writing.
Experience
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Associate Editor on inspection reports for HMICFRS (His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services).
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Associate Proofreader on inspection reports for HMICFRS (His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services).
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Proofreader of e-learning programmes at BYG Systems Ltd.
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Copywriter and proofreader for newsletters, web copy and publicity materials at social enterprise Communities Inc.
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Proofreader of science fiction for Black Library, part of Games Workshop.
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Proofreader for board games for The Dark Imp.
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Proofreader and/or contributing editor of several anthologies of poetry, fiction and memoir.
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Script Assistant proofreading scripts and storylines on Hollyoaks and Brookside at Mersey TV (Now Lime Pictures).
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Copywriter on web copy, newsletters and articles at Futures Group.
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Writer of plain English section of bid for an NHS NIH (National Institute of Health).
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Copywriter (including proofreading and editing) of newsletters, blogs, web copy and reports for the DDPO (D/deaf and disabled people's organisation) Inclusion Barnet.
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Plus writing, editing and proofreading copy for law firms, charities, and in the arts.
Testimonials
"Excellent editing and proofing of reports [...] A huge thank you for your enthusiasm and engagement with the work."
"Jo has incredible attention to detail. I always feel reassured when I know she's proofread my copy.
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She makes sure all errors are addressed constructively; her feedback is detailed and contains easy to implement solutions."
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"I've been tempted in the past to do my own proofreading and it's always been a mistake. It doesn't matter how many times I've been through text myself, I still miss things.
I wish I'd used Jo from the start. She has a keen eye, fabulous command of the English language and great attention to detail."
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"Jo has a keen eye for detail. Her meticulousness in proofreading and editing ensures all our written content is polished and error-free."