Practicalities
Formats
I am happy to work on paper or on screen. On paper I will use the latest British Standard correction symbols (BS 5261C:2005) and will explain any that are unfamiliar. On-screen I can track changes so that you can veto my amendments. If you don't want to receive your edited documents by CD or e-mail, I can print a paper copy, mark it up by hand, and return it by post.
Equipment and software
- G5 Apple Mac, running OSX. Also Macbook Pro, running both OSX and Windows XP. I am happy to accept source files in any of the usual PC or Mac formats, including Microsoft Word and PDFs;
- CD/DVD writer;
- Flatbed scanner;
- Canon i850 colour inkjet printer (borderless printing, up to 4800 x 1200 dpi);
- Broadband internet access;
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
- Adobe Acrobat;
- Macromedia Studio (Dreamweaver, Flash, Fireworks, Freehand);
- Adobe Photoshop.
How much will it cost?
My minimum rates are based on those of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders and the National Union of Journalists. You will be able to find people who will do editorial work for lower rates than these, but they may be untrained or inexperienced or both. Projects taking less than an hour will be charged at the full hourly rate. I am happy to discuss working at an hourly rate or for a fixed sum for the whole project. If I find that the work is taking considerably longer than expected, I will contact you to discuss a revised fee. I expect payment to be made in full within 30 days of receipt of my invoice, and within 7 days for student dissertations and theses.
Do you have a code of practice?
Yes. All members of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders are bound to abide by its Code of Practice, which you can view on their website. To quote from that website:
The purpose of the CoP 'is to establish and maintain standards of best practice
for members and associates of the SfEP and to encourage good professional
relationships. Good communication between client and supplier is essential – the
CoP discusses the merits of clear briefing and agreement of terms to ensure
that both parties are able to maintain the high standards expected.
'The latest version of the CoP takes into account changes in professional
and business practices, and within the Society itself, since its first publication
in 1995. It now includes not only sections on the professional behaviour of
both supplier and client, and standards for proofreading, editing and project
management, but also information on web editing, electronic file handling,
email etiquette, confidentiality and computer security.
'The new CoP is endorsed by the SfEP Council, and although it is not a legal
document, it is considered binding on members, associates and corporate associates.'