SHOUR PROOFREADING & EDITING
Freelance proofreading and editing services
I am a qualified and certified English (UK) freelance proofreader and editor with a passion for language and a keen eye for detail.I offer a bespoke proofreading and editing service with a focus on your needs, aiming to provide you with a high-quality, polished piece of writing. Please see Services to better understand precisely what I can do for you.
© Cayce Pollard. All rights reserved.
about
I am a qualified and certified English (UK) freelance proofreader and editor with a diploma in 'Proofreading and Editing' accredited by the CPD and EADL.I primarily work with Microsoft Word documents or PDF files on-screen, however I am fully proficient in the use of the British Standard Proofreading Symbols and capable of making my edits on paper if necessary.
Qualifications
•Distinction in Proofreading and Editing - College of Media and Publishing
•Editor at Cybirdy Publishing, 2023-2024
•Playwriting and Screenwriting - Oplex
•Writing for Fantasy - Udemy
•Writer Better: Intermediate Fiction- Faber AcademyDegrees
•MA in Creative Writing: The Novel - Brunel University
•Bsc in Single-honours Psychology - University of Roehampton
services
I make my edits on Microsoft Word documents using track changes, and on PDF files using annotations/sticky notes. This way, you are able to clearly see all edits that have been made.I offer a bespoke proofreading and/or editing experience, depending on what you want or need for your text. However, I've listed the three main levels of editing usually asked for (light, medium, novel) and what you can generally expect from each one.
| Light: Proofreading |
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| Light editing considers correcting errors in matters such as: spelling, grammar, punctuation & capitalised words. |
| It's the finishing touch on a well-polished manuscript. As the final step in the editing process, proofreading catches any lingering typos, grammatical errors, or formatting inconsistencies. |
| Medium: Copy Editing |
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| Medium editing considers everything listed under Light editing, plus checking the following: times and dates, names, figures and calculations, abbreviations & use of gender pronouns |
| Copy editing hones in on the language itself once the structure is set. This step focuses on grammar, style, consistency, clarity and flow, ensuring that your work is polished and professional. The aim is to enhance readability while keeping the voice authentic to the author's style. |
| Novel: Developmental editing |
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| I offer this service solely for novel-length manuscripts. I would give feedback on overarching elements like structure, pacing, character development, and plot consistency. I might occasionally reference specific lines or passages to highlight issues (e.g., clunky dialogue, exposition dumps) or suggest improvements, but this isn't the primary focus. I only offer this service for works of fiction in fantasy, sci-fi, MG, YA, romance, mysteries & thrillers. |
| Developmental editing focuses on the big picture - structure, plot, character development, pacing, and overall narrative. If your book is still in its early stages, or you need feedback on the story concept as a whole, then this is the level of editing for you. |
My pricing structure is based on the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading's suggested rates. However, as all jobs vary in size and scope, please contact me to discuss and confirm a rate that suits you and the level of proofreading or editing you require. I'm very flexible in providing what it is your work needs.
Unless requested, all quotes are in GBP and are to be paid by bank transfer to my UK bank account.For your free quote, please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
pricing
The price will usually vary depending on the project, but to help you get a better idea of where the price might lie, here is a rough estimate:Light: £12 per 1000 words
Medium: £15 per 1000 words
Developmental: £17 per 1000 wordsOf course, this varies depending on the language level, the scope of the work, and the desired deadline.I will also need to see a sample of the text but I can provide a rough estimate if you don't want to send the sample until you know I am available.
To provide a quote, I will need the following information on the project:
Word count.
Schedule and deadline (when you will send over the work and when you want/need it back).
What service you want. If you are not certain, we can discuss this but it helps if I know your expectations before starting out.
Details about the work: for example, is it a novel, an essay, a brochure? Who is the intended reader?
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Whatever your query, please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you!If you are getting in touch for a quote, please send a small sample of the text, details of the full word count and your deadline.If you'd rather not send a sample until I've confirmed availability, then please send details of the work (is it a book, fiction or non-fiction, a thesis, web material?).Please feel free to request a sample edit of your work in order for me to give you a clear idea whether the chosen level of editing aligns with your needs.
