The Proof Angel

Getting started

• Email me first to let me know what you need doing, including on idea of the size of the document and your timetable, at the.proof.angel@gmail.com.
• I will let you know whether I can take on the work you need, then we can discuss any details.
• Please feel free to give me clear and specific instructions about your exact requirements. It is the easiest way to work together and gets the best results.  If you are using a house style guide please send me a copy.

How I will work

• If you send me your work as a Microsoft Word document I will edit it using the track changes function so you can see all the suggestions for change clearly and can accept or reject each one as you wish.  I’ll send you 2 files:
  • a “red line” version showing all the proposed changes, and
  • a “clean” version with all the changes accepted.
• I will import websites and PowerPoint presentations into Adobe Acrobat as a PDF so I can annotate the suggested changes without you losing control. You can then update your material as you wish.
• If you want me to proofread PDF documents, please ensure they have “Commenting” enabled when the document is created. This happens automatically when you use the option “File” and “Export” to create a pdf from Microsoft software like Word. You can do this with various free downloads.  If you have an older version of the software, you might need to use something like Print to PDF Pro. 

What tends to work best

• In general, for editing I find it is quicker for both of us to use Word rather than a PDF. In Word I can highlight potential changes with just a few clicks. You can then look at them in context and accept or reject them, also in just a few clicks. The need to transcribe the changes you want to make is removed.
• If you prefer that I proofread on paper rather than on screen, I will mark your document up using the British Standard Institute proofreading symbols. The finished document can either be posted back to you, or if you prefer, I will email you a PDF containing a scanned version of the document.  If you don’t already have Acrobat Reader to open PDF files you can download it free direct from Adobe.

Please remember that the more extensive the changes that you make at a final stage, the more important it is to check the result again.  You may want to do this yourself, or you may want me ask me to proofread the final version as an extra service.

Note: Although I may highlight facts that strike me as odd, I cannot take responsibility for checking the facts in a document.

Contact me at the.proof.angel@gmail.com