When should you get your manuscript proofread?
Proofreading is the final step to catch minor errors like typos, grammar mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies before publication or submission. It ensures your manuscript is polished and professional. You should get your manuscript proofread after all major edits, including developmental and copyediting, are complete, as no significant changes should be made after proofreading. Depending on your budget/preferences, it might be followed by formatting/typesetting.
Here are some of the things I will be looking out for:
Typos and spelling errors
- Misspelled words or typographical mistakes
- Consistency in spelling, especially with names, terms, or region-specific words (e.g., American vs. British English)
Grammar and punctuation
- Incorrect grammar, verb tenses, or sentence structure
- Proper punctuation, including commas, periods, quotation marks, and apostrophes
Capitalization and hyphenation
- Correct capitalization of titles, headings, and proper nouns
- Consistency in hyphenated words (e.g., “e-mail” vs. “email”)
Numbers and dates
- Accuracy and consistency in number formatting (e.g., spelled-out numbers vs. numerals)
- Correct formatting of dates, times, and measurements
Consistency in style
- Adherence to the chosen style guide (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style)
- Uniform treatment of terms, abbreviations, and special formatting
Cross-references
- Accuracy of cross-references (e.g., page numbers, chapter references, or hyperlinks)
- Ensuring the table of contents matches the manuscript
Visual elements
- Proper placement and labeling of images, tables, and figures
- Consistent captions and alignment of visual elements
Final Polish
- I will ensure the manuscript reads smoothly and professionally, and catch anything that might distract or confuse readers.
What is included in the service?
- Proofread manuscript:
- Marked-up document: A version of the manuscript with all corrections and suggestions visible through tracked changes or annotations
- Clean copy (if agreed upon): A version with all changes accepted, showing the finalized, polished manuscript
- A style sheet outlining the editorial decisions I made during the proofread
- Editorial report: A brief overview highlighting the main issues addressed during the proofread
Pricing
I follow suggested rate guidelines provided by the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). For copyediting, that means $0.014–$0.021 per word. This means that a full proofread for a 50,000-word novel would cost $700.00–$1,050.00, depending on the state of the manuscript. I will provide the final quote after completing a sample edit.