Proofreading

Although the terms copyediting and proofreading are often used interchangeably, they actually describe two very different processes. Proofreading comes after the copy-edit, and is a less intensive form of text checking. As the saying goes, copy-editing catches all the mistakes the author missed, and proofreading catches all the mistakes the copy-editor missed. Such mistakes include typos, punctuation errors, and anything that may have slipped through the cracks at an earlier stage. Proofreading is the final stage of production, just before the document is ready for publication or submission.

I'll read your text to look out for any minor mistakes missed at an earlier stage. I’ll also check the table of contents, chapter titles, headings, index, pagination and bibliography, ensuring everything is in order. This proofing stage should only come after a thorough copy-edit has been done, as proofreading is not the time to make major corrections. As Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading states: 'The proofreader reads the copy for consistency in usage and layout, for accuracy in the text and references and for typesetting errors. The proofreader, however, is only acting as a quality check, making sure that the copy-editor or typesetter has not missed something. He or she is not responsible for overall consistency and accuracy.' So do make sure  you have your work edited before seeking a proofread.