Feel confident with your content
Professional proofreading and copyediting by Lucidity Writing
Website ready to go live? Report poised for publication?
PhD deadline approaching?
Despite your own checks, you've got nagging niggles the copy might not be as polished as you’d like.
As an experienced and qualified proofreader and copy editor, I can help.
Armed with fanatical attention to detail and a deep understanding of the many quirks of the English language, I’ll use my well-honed radar to thoroughly check every element.
From a consistent tone of voice and the tiniest of style points to every single awkward apostrophe, I’ll add the shine your words deserve to flow smoothly and ultimately gain your readers’ trust.
What I can do as a proofreader and copy editor
You may have come across different ‘levels’ for this type of service – proofreading, proof-editing, copy editing etc.
I keep it simple.
I’ll edit as much or as little is needed to make your words shine as bright as possible.
Because what’s the point of a ‘simple’ proofread if the text needs extra TLC?
Invite my eagle eyes to take a look and I’ll:
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Adhere to your style guide or outline a suggested one to follow
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Check all grammar, punctuation and spelling
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Identify and edit repeated words, phrases or ideas
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Clarify ambiguity or discrepancy
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Ensure facts are accurate
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Edit sentence and paragraph length/structure to improve readability
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Maintain a consistent tone of voice
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Add flow, clarity and brilliance
How my proofreading and copyediting service works
1. Send me a sample, or complete, piece of copy, including its word count.
2. If you don’t have that yet, give me an idea of length and complexity.
3. Receive your quote and, if you’re happy, sign the contract.
4. Share your style guide with me.
5. If you don’t have one, I’ll advise on style points to follow to suit your tone, voice and audience. I can also write a comprehensive, bespoke style guide as a separate project.
6. My eagle editing eyes do their thing.
7. Receive your polished copy with my comments and queries using either Word, Google Docs or Adobe PDFs (these can be shared as I go along if deadlines are tight).
8. Share your feedback.
9. I make additional tweaks, if required.
10. Send your copy out into the world, confident in your content.
Who I work with as a proofreader and editor
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Small/medium business owners
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Large corporates
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Professional organisations and associations
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PhD students
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Copywriters
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Marketing agencies
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Web designers
How much does my proofreading cost?
My fees are based on suggested minimum rates from the Chartered Institute of
Editing and Proofreading.
There are two ways to work with me:
1. On a project basis
I’ll quote for a single piece of work using a guide of £30* per 1000 words. I charge a minimum fee of £40 for any individual job.
*Academic rates for PhD students are lower, based on complexity.
2. On a retainer basis
If you need fresh eyes on a regular supply of copy in a range of formats, we can chat about setting up a retainer.
Why does proofreading matter?
Who really cares about colons?
I’m a great believer that while some won’t even notice a misplaced punctuation mark, others will. They could easily view a minuscule mistake as a reflection of quality and be less likely to have faith in your words.
So it’s wise to assume that your ideal customer, client or reader WILL care.
Professional proofreading and editing makes your marketing materials and communications easy to understand and credible thanks to:
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Spot-on spelling
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Free ‘n’ easy flow
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Zero grammar gremlins
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Impeccable accuracy
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Super-consistent style and tone
My professional proofreader's expert eyes will help you make a great first impression – and ensure it lasts.
While I’ll always work to high standards, I’m not a stubborn stickler for ‘The Rules’ of grammar and punctuation. I know them and their often-weird ways, but I’m also happy to break them when such rebelliousness suits the style and intention of the text.
“Lucy is a fantastic proofreader. The magazine is packed with lots of content and I’m always impressed with the prompt feedback we receive each issue.
“Lucy has great attention to detail and her work enables us to ensure we’re delivering the best output possible. It’s a pleasure working with Lucy and we look forward to continuing to work with her.”
Jafar Taj
The Institute of Physics
“It’s not just how good Lucy is at proofreading. It’s also how she deals with us and our clients. She’s always professional and warm. She always follows up. She always
flags things considerately. I know she’ll spot every error going. But I also know she’ll fit in with the team, work well with the lead copywriter, communicate brilliantly with
our clients and make us look really good.”
Helen Dibble
Incredibble
