If you’ve got important documents heading out the door – whether it’s proposals, reports, whitepapers or slide decks – it’s ALWAYS worth investing in a final polish and finesse. You’d be amazed at the number of issues a trained eye will be able to spot, even after everyone’s called it ‘done’, and one clanger can cost you hugely.

As experts in quality control, we offer proofreading, copyediting, and a blend of the two (we call it proof-editing). So, what’s the difference? There’s plenty of crossover, but here’s a guide to what each service focuses on:

Copyediting:

• Understanding: use of plain English to ensure a clear message with no ambiguity, rewriting where needed.
• Clarity: syntax, spelling, grammar, appropriate word usage, vocabulary choice that avoids jargon and clichés, punctuation.
• Queries: anything that seems to be an error, including misspelled names, misused words, numbers that don’t add up, contradictory statements, incomplete references.
• Consistency of layout: treatment of headings, notes, illustrations and references, and ensuring captions fit the images.

Proofreading:

• Language: spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, use of tense, autocorrect errors. No rewriting will take place.
• Consistency: within headings and sub heads, date formats, hyphens, capital letters.
• Layout: functioning URL and hyperlinks, line spacing, image captions, numbering.
• Typography: spacing inconsistencies, font size, font colour, use of bold and italics.

A combination of the two (proof-editing) is also available. Usually, we’ll ask to take a look at the document and recommend which approach we think will work best for you depending on the budget and timeframe available.

Give us a call if you’d like to book something in.