Services offered
I can help you to make sure your work is in the best shape it can be, by checking on spelling, grammar, punctuation and consistency.
As a proofreader, I take that focus on accuracy into all the projects I work on, whatever the subject matter or format.
I can work on screen or on paper, whichever works best for you. I can use BSI proofreading symbols, Track Changes in Word, or Adobe PDF markup.
I proofread marketing and communications materials for businesses and organisations of all sizes, making sure any company style guidelines are followed. I also work with independent publishers of non-fiction books.
I am a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and abide by the CIEP code of practice.
There's one line in Natalie Weiner's website that caught my eye, and confirmed that she was the proofreader I'd been looking for: ‘I act as the last sanity check before your words go to print.’ I knew there and then that Natalie understands the complexities of the publishing process and realises what a responsible role a proofreader has - and she's been as good as her word. She offers a thorough, professional and efficient service; is flexible on her scheduling and her fees are competitive. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend her.Lorna Howarth, Editorial Director, The Write Factor
Experience & Qualifications
Experience
I've worked in communications in one form or another all my working life, from event management to marketing, PR to analyst relations. All of these roles had one common thread of getting the right message across in the most appropriate way. Key to this is accuracy.
Clients have included an NHS Trust, a marketing communications agency, an architect, a communications specialist, a genealogical group and a software developer.
I've worked on patient information leaflets, newsletters, conference programmes, leaflets, press adverts, signage, blog copy, speeches, articles, press releases and website copy.
I have also proofread non-fiction books for independent publishers.
Qualifications
- The Publishing Training Centre (PTC) Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning: Merit
(Now called Essential Proofreading) Grammar at Work - Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) P1: Introduction to Proofreading P2: Proofreading Progress References
- BA (Hons) English & American Literature (2:1) The University of Warwick
- Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
Natalie proofread and lightly edited the website text for my new business venture. Her approach was professional and friendly, and her attention to detail helped me to achieve the polished, impactful, professional text I was aiming for. Natalie provided an efficient and effective service. I look forward to collaborating with her again in the future, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to others.Gabriela Lungu, Founder, WINGS Creative Leadership Lab
Pricing
My rates are based around the minimum suggested by the CIEP, however every job and situation is different. The level of work needed, and how long it might take me, can be affected by the length, complexity and quality of the work.
If you would like a no obligation quote for your proofreading, I will need the following information:
- What is the word count?
- Do you have a deadline?
- Do you have a particular budget?
- Has the text been copy-edited?
- Is it just text or are there figures, tables or illustrations?
- Are there any references?
- Is there an existing style guide?
I will also ask for a sample of the copy (from the middle, if it is a lengthy project). This will give a good idea of the level of work required and how long it might take. A few thousand words, about 5-10% of the total word count, is a good sample length.
A minimum rate of £40 applies for any job under 2,000 words.
Natalie was diligent, keen, accurate, alert, very proactive, and a real leader of the proofing team that had been pulled together with no previous collaborative experience. She ensured consistency across the team with great communication, and was a great asset under an enormous amount of time pressure.Editor, Limmud Conference Handbook 2016
