What's it really like to work with a proofreader? (Spoiler alert: it's not as scary as you might think!)
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
If you're a first-time author or self-publishing, hiring a proofreader can feel a little scary.
Will they tear my book apart?
Will they judge my writing?
Let me reassure you: that's not how I work – and it's not how proofreading should feel.
My philosophy is simple: I take the fear out of proofreading. This is your book. Every change is your decision. My role is to support you – kindly, gently, and collaboratively – not to criticise or judge.
So, let’s walk through what proofreading actually is, where it fits in the publishing process, and what it’s like to work with me.
What Is Proofreading?
By the time your manuscript reaches a proofreader, it should already have been through:
Structural or developmental editing (big-picture story, pacing, clarity)
Copyediting (sentence-level improvements, clarity, consistency, style)
Proofreading comes after all of that.
Think of it as the final polish before publication — the last careful check to catch:
Spelling errors
Grammar slips
Punctuation issues
Capitalisation inconsistencies
Formatting and layout problems
Small inconsistencies that may have crept in during previous revisions
It’s the final safety net before your book meets the world.
How Do You Find A Proofreader You Trust?
Choosing a proofreader is extremely personal. After all, you’re handing over your manuscript that you've worked so hard on and poured your heart into — so trust matters.
Here’s what I recommend looking for:
✔ Professional qualifications
Are they trained? Are they a member of a recognised professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP)? Membership shows commitment to professional standards and ongoing training.
✔ Testimonials
What do other authors say? Look for feedback about professionalism, kindness, clarity, and reliability — not just technical skill.
✔ Website & social media presence
Does their website feel professional? Do they clearly explain their services and processes? Social media can also give you a feel for their personality and working style.
✔ Genre specialism
This is important.
You wouldn’t necessarily want a cookbook specialist proofreading your fictional crime book – or vice versa.
I specialise in fictional crime mysteries and thrillers, as well as non-fiction business books, and working within specific genres means I understand reader expectations, tone, pacing, and conventions – which makes a real difference at the final polish stage.
Lastly, but just as importantly, choose someone whose tone makes you feel comfortable. If their website or social media platforms make you feel intimidated, keep looking!
So… What’s It Like to Work With Me?
Here’s exactly how it works.
Step 1: Getting to Know Each Other
If you’re a new client and you’re happy to, I always think it’s lovely to have a quick Zoom call. It makes the relationship more personal and gives me a chance to learn:
A little about you
A little about your book
Your writing style
What you’re hoping to achieve
Proofreading is collaborative – and collaboration starts with connection.
After that, I’ll send an email confirming:
The agreed start date
The completion date
The total fee (based on word count)
I’ll ask you to sign a contract and pay 10% of the total fee to secure your slot in my calendar. The remaining balance is due on completion of the project.
I do ask that you send your manuscript at least 24 hours before the agreed start date – this keeps everything running smoothly.
What Happens During the Proofread?
Once we begin, I work in three clear stages.
Stage 1: Style Guide and Familiarisation
If you’ve worked with a copyeditor, they’ll usually provide a style guide. I’ll review this carefully to ensure consistency throughout.
If you don’t have one, don’t worry – I’ll create one for you. I use this stage to understand your style preferences, tone, and any particular choices you consistently make.
This is where I really start getting to know your writing voice.
Stage 2: First Read-Through (The Detailed Pass)
This is the word-by-word check.
I look at:
Grammar
Spelling
Capitalisation
Consistency
Layout
Formatting
I mark clear errors directly in the text and leave gentle comments in the margins where I simply want to raise something as a query.
Notice I said query — not criticism.
Sometimes it’s just a “Did you mean…?” or “Just checking…” Because this is your book. You always have the final say.
Stage 3: Second Read-Through (The Safety Net)
The final read-through is one of my favourite parts.
By now, I know your story. I know your characters. I understand your voice.
This pass is perfect for catching any lingering errors or tiny inconsistencies that may have slipped through. Fresh eyes — twice — make all the difference.
When You Receive Your Manuscript Back
You’ll receive your manuscript with all markup visible.
You can:
Accept changes
Decline changes
Query anything you’re unsure about
It’s completely in your control.
I’ll also be available for two weeks after delivery to answer any questions you may have.
And please – don’t forget to tell me your publication date! I love celebrating my clients’ launches and sharing them on my social media. Seeing your book out in the world is genuinely one of the best parts of my job.
More Than a Service – A Collaboration
Proofreading isn’t about catching you out. It isn’t about red pens and harsh criticism. It’s about partnership.
I see every project as a collaboration between us – working together to make your book the very best version of itself. My job is to support you, reassure you, and guide you through that final stage calmly and professionally.
I’m never judgmental. I’m never harsh. I’m simply here to help your book shine.
Ready to Take the Fear Out of Proofreading?
If you’re a self-publishing or first-time author and you’d like a proofreader who is calm, kind, collaborative and professional, I’d love to hear from you.
You can:
Explore my services page
Or simply send me an email to start the conversation
Let’s make proofreading feel reassuring — not intimidating.
After all, it’s your book. I’m just here to help you polish it.
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