Frequently asked questions

What information do you need to provide a quotation?
I will need to see either the entire document or a large sample from it, e.g. three sample chapters from the middle of your manuscript, so that I can estimate the amount of work involved and provide you with an accurate quotation and turnaround time. It would also be helpful if you could provide the following information, so I can provide you with an accurate a quotation as possible:

What is the total word count of your manuscript?
In what format will you provide your manuscript (e.g. in Microsoft Word)?
Is this your first book? If not, has your previous book(s) been through the professional editing process?
Has this manuscript already been professionally edited?
If this manuscript has been professionally edited, did your editor provide you with a style guide for your manuscript?
Is your manuscript a work of fiction or non-fiction?
If fiction, what is the genre? If non-fiction, what is the subject?
If your manuscript is fiction, have you completed any creative writing courses? (Please give some details.)
How many drafts of your manuscript have you completed?
Are you a member of a writers' group, and if so have the other members read your manuscript and given you feedback on it?
Have you redrafted the manuscript based on their feedback?
What is your objective for your manuscript? For example, do you intend to self-publish it or submit it to an agent/publishing house/competition?
What is your deadline for my returning the edited manuscript to you?

What's the difference between proofreading and copy-editing?
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), of which I am an Advanced Professional Member, provides very good explanations of what proofreading and copy-editing entail.

Is it enough to use spellcheck software to proof my document?
Spellcheck software is of limited use as it will not catch all mistakes. For example, it will not highlight a word that is spelled correctly but used incorrectly e.g. "fiend" instead of "friend" or "patients" instead of "patience". It will not indicate that you have left a word out of a sentence altogether, e.g. "I nearly left a word out the previous sentence." Spellcheck software will not fix an incorrectly used apostrophe, e.g. "my friend's books" has a different meaning from "my friends' books". The first refers to just one friend, while the latter refers to more than one friend.

How do I give my manuscript or document to you?
I receive most of my work by email, but I also work on printed documents that I have received by post or in person. Using email has the advantage of cutting out printing and postage costs for the client. All documents and manuscripts are treated with the utmost confidentiality.

How much do you charge?
It will depend on the complexity and length of the document and on the level of proofreading or editing required. Once I have seen the document (or a sample from it) and have determined its word count, I can provide you with a quotation and a time frame for completion. My aim is to listen carefully to your requirements and then to provide you with a thoroughly professional and reliable service. As a Full Member of the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofeaders and Indexers (AFEPI), I use their recommended minimum rates as a guideline when preparing quotations.

How long does it take?
Again, this will vary depending on the complexity and length of the document, and the level of editing required. I will be able to provide you with a time frame for completion once I have reviewed the manuscript or document and discussed your needs with you.

Will I be able to see the changes you make?
Yes. If your document or manuscript is in paper (printed) format, the changes or suggestions I make will be marked in red. With this method, you can decide which of my changes or suggestions you wish to incorporate into your original document, i.e. you must key in the changes/corrections into the original computer file yourself.

If your document or manuscript is in Word format, I use the Track Changes editing function so you will be able to see the changes or suggestions I have made. You can then choose to 'accept' or 'reject' these changes (this saves you having to re-key the changes yourself). Where necessary, I explain the changes I have made so you can understand the reasoning behind my editing.

What if I don't agree with your editing?
If I feel it necessary, I give an explanation of my corrections or suggestions so you can understand the reasoning behind the edit. As a professional copy-editor and proofreader, I use the Oxford University Press's New Hart's Rules: The Handbook of Style for Writers and Editors, and the Oxford Dictionary for reference when editing and proofreading a document or manuscript. Some of my clients have their own preferred style sheets which I adhere to when editing their manuscript or document. Ultimately, as the author, you have the final say as to whether or not you choose to accept my corrections or suggestions.

How do I get a quotation?
You can send me an email to info[at]marymccauleyproofreading[dot]com or fill out an online enquiry form. It would be helpful if you sent me a sample of the work you wish to have edited, the full word count and an indication of the time frame for completion. Once we have discussed your requirements, I will be able to send you a free quotation.