FAQs for Tracey

Do you only work with people in Queensland, Australia?

No.  Thanks to the wonders of email I can work with people around the country and around the globe.

What is Proofreading?

A proofreader looks at the real nitty-gritty.  Every line is individually checked for typos, mechanical errors, transposition or repetition, incorrect page numbers etc.  A check is also made to ensure that any problems identified during the structural editing and copyediting phases have been corrected prior to your work being printed or otherwise distributed.

What is Structural Editing?

A structural editor is what most people have in mind when they think of a book editor.

The structural (or substantive) editor works closely with a writer to ensure the underlying architecture is sound – in a sense this role is to be the bridge between the author and his/her readers.

Is the plot coherent?  Are the characters believable and are they introduced at the right time?  Is the language and dialogue style used consistent with the time, place and people described?  Is the story well-paced?  Is it written in a style that will appeal to your target audience?

What is Copyediting?

A copyeditor works on the more detailed picture – checking for things like consistency of layout, correct grammar and syntax, punctuation and spelling.

Are graphics used at the correct resolution, or do they look grainy or blurry?

If external sources or quotes have been used, have they been appropriately referenced?  This is crucial, not only for reasons of professional courtesy but to protect you from costly and damaging plagiarism or defamation charges.

What is the Research service about?

You may have a great idea for a project or story but don’t have time for fact-checking.  Even if your document is a work of fiction it should be authentic.

Let me be your detective leaving you free to concentrate on what’s most important to you – the writing.

At Proof Positive Qld I can put all my resources to work for you – whether it be ensuring you have the geography and chronology right, investigating trends and statistics in your industry, or just making sure your 18th Century hero isn’t wearing the wrong clothes.

Why should I hire someone to do research for me?

I use resources such as internet searches, libraries, the Bureau of Statistics and subscribe to on-line report databases that you may not have access to.  This saves you a lot of time, whilst ensuring accuracy of your content.  For fiction writers, research provides authenticity to a story.  For example, is it feasible that the events being described could have happened in that time/place?  If  it’s not authentic, then it’s unlikely to hook your reader.

How do I request a quote?

The easiest way is through the website Quote form.  This form requests information that will help to give you an accurate quote.

If I don’t want to accept the quote, will you email and hassle me to do business with you?

Absolutely not.  It’s a no-obligation quote and you are free to accept or reject it.

How long will it take to receive my quote?

All quotes are given individual attention based on your specific needs.  You will receive a prepared quote and brief within 2 business days of  Tracey receiving your request, no matter how big or small the job.

Can you guarantee me a good mark in my assessments and assignments?

No.  But I can guarantee that your work  will be professionally edited and proofread.

Do you make changes to my original document?

No.  I edit your work in a separate file and then I return it to you in both a Word and PDF format.

I am a student and I have never used the services of a proofreader or editor before.  Why should I pay for this service?

Many times grammatical and structural errors can drag down your overall mark.  Not only that, an incomplete reference list can adversely impact assessment.  It could also indicate a breach of copyright that can cause an assessor to question authorship.

I am a good writer already.  Why should I use your services?

Even born writers can have bad days or be too familiar with the work – how often have you checked and rechecked a report or other important document before sending, only to read again later and spot an obvious mistake you missed before?

I am an author and I have never used the services of a proofreader or editor before.  Why should I pay for this service?

By having your manuscript professionally edited and proofread or copyedited, your story will ‘ring true’  to the reader and will be written in a style that suits your intended audience.  It will also ensure that obvious errors such as geographical and chronological clashes are eliminated.  A literary agent or publisher is unlikely to be interested in a work if the author has not taken the time to ensure the plot/settings/characters read authentically.

Can you guarantee that my manuscript will be accepted by a publisher or literary agent?

No.

Will you discuss my document with anyone else?

No.  I treat all information as strictly confidential, and frequently sign Confidentiality Agreements at my client’s request.  I can even prepare the agreement for you if you like.

Do you work to deadlines?

Yes.  I do jobs for magazines which require working to tight deadlines, and I can do this for you too.  Having said that, there may be instances where, if your deadline is too tight, I will advise you that I won’t be able to take on the work.  I will only meet a very tight deadline if I know that I will still be able to meet my high standards.  The quality of your writing reflects on me – I won’t send back a document that I wouldn’t be happy to have my own name on.

Do you deliver what you say you will?

Yes.  Please read my Testimonials for reassurance.  Also, every quote contains a brief that details exactly what you will be getting for your money.  There are no hidden costs.

What if my document contains very few errors?  Will you still try to make money out of me?

Absolutely not.  I will never edit for the sake of making money.  I have enough work to keep me busy, so I will only quote for the actual amount of work involved.  By giving realistic and honest quotes, I have customers who return to use my services time and time again.

How do you charge for large projects?

To ensure that the price is fair, before quoting on large projects I will ask you to send me a sample of your writing – around six or eight pages – to give me a feel for the amount of work needed.  I may also request any other inclusions you’d like checked such as the List of Contents, tables, charts or other graphics.

Your prices are more affordable than others.  Why?

I believe that proofreading and editing services should be accessible to every single person.  Every person’s words should have the opportunity to dazzle the reader.  Also, I believe that my services are essential rather than optional.  Many people lose business due to poorly written English, or get reduced assignment marks – all of this is completely avoidable.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes.  I offer a discount to clients who pay up-front, and this will be clearly explained in your Quote.

How are you different from a large editing/proofreading company?

My costs are lower because I have fewer overheads.  You also receive a completely personalised service because I can take the time to really get to know your needs without having to rush through your job.  Another major difference is that while I am working on your job, it is the ONLY job I’m working on and I NEVER outsource your work to someone else.

What types of documents do you work on?

All documents!  Resumes, assignments, manuscripts, reports and marketing material such as flyers, brochures, website text and so on.

Will you rewrite my entire work?

No.  Your words are your own and it’s my job to make them the best they can be.  I will offer suggestions or alternatives, but the decision to accept or reject any change  is entirely yours.

Will you impose your own style of writing on me?

No.  In fact, if you have your own style guide I am more than happy to follow it.

Do you require the documents in a certain format?  On paper (hard) or an electronic file (soft)?

I will work on either hard or soft copy documents – again the choice is yours.  If your preference is for soft copy  I will edit and return a copy of your file in MS Word and as a PDF.  In the case of hard copy documents I will use standard Publishing industry proofreading marks, in red.  I am happy to provide an explanatory reference guide to these marks at your request.  Upon completion your source document will also be returned to you in its original condition; be it paper copy, electronic file or disc format.