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Services, fees and FAQs

What services do I offer and for whom?

Proofreading

 

This is the final check – correcting minor errors in punctuation, spelling, grammar and formatting that have been missed in previous rounds of editing.

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Proof-editing

 

Proof-editing happens when time and/or budget constraints mean that there is only one stage in the editing process.

In proof-editing, the

usual proofreading concerns apply, but the level of editing is likely

to be greater.

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Early manuscript reviews (beta reading)
 

A beta read is for after a book has been self-edited by the author but before

it is professionally

copy-edited, proofread or published. It focuses on the big-picture elements (e.g. plot and characters).

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Do you know which level of editing you need?

If you’​re unsure, read this to help you decide: Which level of editing do you need?

What’​s included in my proofreading, proof-editing and beta reading services?

The table below details what’​s included in my proofreading and proof-editing services. My beta reading service is detailed on my early manuscript reviews page.

​*This is not always included for students submitting work for assessment because no rewriting can be done by a proofreader on examined texts. However, I may raise specific queries for the student to address.

 

** It is not my responsibility to check for plagiarism, but I will point out if I feel a reference is required or if the style/tone of writing changes so that it stands out.

How much will it cost? Sample evaluations and sample edits

My pricing is based on the CIEP suggested minimum rates. But because every project is unique, it’s difficult to give an accurate idea of cost without seeing a representative sample of the text.

 

Sample evaluations

I will provide an estimated quote once I have evaluated a sample of the text. The price will depend on the level and extent of the service required.

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Sample edits

If you would like to see an example of my editing technique, please request a sample edit. By editing a short sample of your work, I can figure out exactly how long it will take me to edit your entire text (and therefore the fee) and you can assess my services with a real example (and decide if we are a good fit). I’​ll provide a quote when I return the edited sample. The price will depend on the level and extent of the service required.

 

I charge a nominal fee for sample edits, which would be deducted from the final invoice if you were to proceed with the full edit.

How do I edit?

I edit in Microsoft Word using Track Changes and Comments. I can also proofread using the Adobe commenting tools on PDF if you prefer (only available for projects that have already been professionally copy-edited and typeset).

 

For beta reads I use the Comments tool in either Microsoft Word or Adobe.

What’​s my turnaround time?

Depending on the length of your document, the editing service required, my current schedule and our agreed-upon time frame, it will usually take about three weeks. But it could take four or five weeks. The time frame for beta reads is about two weeks.

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Please leave plenty of time in your schedule to accommodate this.

What project details do I need from you?

Please send me (tori@seymourproofreading.co.uk) the following:

  • genre/subject of your project and the exact word count

  • your schedule/deadline and budget

  • the service you require (beta read, proofread or proof-edit)

  • publishing intentions (if applicable)

  • the format of your file (Word or PDF)

  • a sample (at least 1,000 words) from the second half of your manuscript (proofreading or proof-editing), or the first chapter of your book (beta reading)

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I can then let you know if the work can be fitted into my schedule.

 

If you would prefer not to send a sample until I can confirm availability, then please send details of your work, word count, deadline and budget.

Further questions?

For more details on how I can help you, please see my independent authors, academics, or businesses and writers services pages.​ For a list of my training and CPD, please visit my qualifications page.

Victoria did such a good job of preserving my voice ...

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“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Victoria twice now. Once on a beta reading service she completed for me, and the second on a proof-edit for a sci-fi manuscript (c.100k words). Both were excellent services, completed on time and to very professional standards. The proof-edit in particular deserves praise for combining both a copy-edit and proofreading service all in one. Victoria did such a good job of preserving my voice and writing flow that I could barely tell what parts had been changed until I checked the edited version. The thousands of grammar, spelling and editing improvements she’d made were seamless. I would wholeheartedly recommend Victoria, and I look forward to working with her again in the future.”

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—BW, author

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