In addition to being a furniture maker/wood-craftsman with a keen interest in tape recorders, I am also a published author and hold the Publishing Qualifications Board's 'Proofreading Certificate', working part-time for a specialist publisher. I can therefore offer a cost-effective proofreading and copy editing service.

The introduction of personal computers with word processing, desk-top publishing and web-page software, have (in theory!) not only simplified the process of presenting a final manuscript to a publisher or printer, but also encouraged self-publishing at an affordable price. But with this technology has come the danger of 'screen blindness', in which the author, knowing what he (or she) expects to read, fails to spot errors 'on screen' - errors which only become obvious once printed - but not always to the author! This is as true of illustrations and Computer Aided Draughting as it is of text, especially with the author's over-reliance on computer spell-checkers, many of which are in American English! Occasionally, the very nature of the book requires 'poor' English, which computer spell-checkers will not allow.

What I offer

Such is human nature, that a trained eye is needed to check the manuscript, or proof copy, with a fresh, open and impartial mind. Proofreaders look for errors in spelling, capitalisation, grammar, punctuation, missed words, mixed tenses and sense. I can check an author's draft for submission to a publisher, or cross check the original against a printer's proof, but it is not the function of a proofreader to 'rewrite' your original work! However, I will make suggestions to improve clarity, grammar and presentation as well as suggest where facts may be incorrect, suspect or inconsistent. I will also check for consistency of house style, layout, formatting, 'widowed' or 'orphaned' lines, as well as pagination.

No proofreader is infallible, so it is entirely up to the author to act on those corrections and recommendations.

The process

I will require a complete, typed or printed copy of your work – be it a book, pamphlet, brochure or a web-site draft (please note I do not offer a web-site publishing service). If submitted in draft form for copy editing, this must be in double spaced lines to allow errors to be marked up. Please do not submit (or e-mail) a computer file, as I will have to charge for printing off a copy for marking up.

It is most important that the author is satisfied with the final work before committing, at great expense, to the printers and binders, so if you wish to return your corrected, or updated, version for a final check, I will be happy to oblige - but there will be a further charge.

Fees

As each client and job is different, I work on an hourly basis and, depending on the complexity and errors found in assessing 10-20 sample pages, I will offer a fair estimate of time scale and cost. Please note that the final cost and time scale may differ somewhat if new complications are found as work progresses; I will advise if these become a major problem. If you are happy with the initial estimate, I will require a 1/3rd deposit with the balance (including charges for postage, unforeseen and additional work) due on completion, before returning the corrected copy. If you decline the estimate, I will charge a nominal £10 fee, plus return postage. My current charge is £15 per hour - VAT is not charged (rates as at January 2010). Cheques payable to Barry M Jones

Small batch publishing

Many publications only really need monochrome (black and white) photographs and illustrations. I can offer a cost-effective low volume, monochrome publishing/printing service of A4 and A5 leaflets, brochures, booklets etc., using high-speed laser printing, direct from computer. Please ask!

Disclaimer

While every reasonable care and effort is taken in proofreading, no one is infallible! No warranty, expressed or implied, is therefore offered. The client remains responsible for accuracy and legality of their content, legal usage of copyright material and quality of the completed work. English law applies at all times. E&OE.

For more details contact:

Barry M Jones

Unit 2, Rustic Crafts Workshop, Bixley Lane, Beckley, RYE, East Sussex, TN31 6TH tel: 01797 260522  or   bjrustic@aol.com