Services
For publishers
I provide services ranging from proofreading to substantive copy-editing and editing of non-native English. I am happy to work on paper or on screen, and can accept material by post or e-mail. For details of my subject areas see the separate subjects page of my website.
For businesses and individuals
My services range from proofreading to rewriting, web editing, and research. For details of a particular service, select an item from the list below, or simply scroll down the page.
- Proofreading
- Copy-editing
- Substantive editing and rewriting
- Copywriting
- Website editing and proofreading
- Editing theses and dissertations
- Research
Proofreading
We've all sent something to press and realised only after it's in print that there's a glaring mistake on the front page. I will provide a fresh pair of eyes to check your copy and make sure that there are no slips in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Copy-editing
When you're ready to submit a manuscript to a publisher or have created promotional material for your business, it's the job of a copy-editor to make sure that your work says what you want it to say. I will make sure your style is consistent, that you haven't introduced factual errors, that you have used the English language correctly, that your arguments are logical, and that (if appropriate) there are no potential legal problems in your text.
Substantive editing and rewriting
Sometimes it's difficult to stand back and admit that your manuscript needs restructuring. Or you might know that your writing doesn't quite work, but you don't know why. Or you may need to rework an existing document for a different audience. That's where I can help, by restructuring your text to set everything in a sensible order and make your language clear and your argument coherent. This is often particularly important for people whose first language is not English.
Copywriting
If you don't have a natural bent for writing material, then ask a professional to do it for you. I will take your drafts and any other information you can provide, and use them to prepare clear and accessible copy for your readers. I specialise in providing copy for museums, whether it be exhibition texts, leaflets, press releases, or advertising copy.
Website editing and proofreading
How often have you visited a website and found obvious errors in the text, links that go nowhere, and site navigation that makes no sense? Your website is your shop window for many of your customers, and it's important that you present a professional front. I will check that the text on your site is accurate, that the navigation works sensibly, that pages are easy to read, and that graphics and multimedia files are displayed correctly, before the site is released to the general public.
Theses and dissertations
Most universities are happy for students to submit their theses to a copy-editor to highlight problems with grammar, spelling, and punctuation, while leaving the substance of the argument untouched. This is a service that is often particularly necessary for students whose first language is not English. I will read a thesis, make any necessary amendments, and suggest improvements to style and flow. If I find your arguments or evidence to be weak in places, I will point this out to you: I do not, in these circumstances, provide a rewriting service.
Research
If you don't have time to carry out the research for a particular project, I may be able to help. I will take on smallscale research projects that can be completed with the help of the Internet and a university library. As a trained academic researcher, I will know exactly where to look for material and how to present the results clearly for your use.