Publishing
Book proofreading in the UK. The final check before print.
The last line of defence against typos, inconsistencies and layout errors, before your book reaches readers.
- NDA before you share details
- You keep every right
- Written by people, never AI
Proofreading is the final quality check, done after editing and usually on the typeset pages. A proofreader catches the small mistakes that slip through: typos, missing words, inconsistent spellings, wrong page numbers and awkward line breaks.
Readers notice errors, and reviewers mention them. A professional proofread protects your book’s reputation and your own.
We proofread Word files, PDFs and print proofs, and can work to UK or US style.
Who it is for.
- Authors about to self-publish
- Businesses printing a book, report or brochure
- Writers submitting a polished manuscript
- Publishers who need extra capacity
What you get.
Full proofread
Every page checked for errors and consistency.
Marked-up file
Tracked changes in Word or comments on PDF.
Query list
Anything that needs your decision, listed clearly.
Layout check
Headers, page numbers and line breaks on print proofs.
Process and timeline.
Usually one to two weeks for a full-length book.
Send the manuscript
Share your file and goals. We read a sample and confirm the level of work it needs.
Fixed quote
You get a fixed price and a delivery date before any work starts.
The work
Tracked changes and comments you can accept or reject, so you stay in charge of every word.
Ready to publish
Clean files, ready for print, ebook or submission to agents.
What it costs.
A typical UK market range. Your quote is fixed before any work starts, and payments are staged.
“Their” for “there” on page 112. “Margaret” spelled “Margret” in chapter 9. Chapter 14 missing from the contents page.
An illustrative sample of our writing style, not a client’s work.
Questions, answered.
What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing improves the writing. Proofreading checks the finished text for errors. Proofreading should be the last step before publishing.
How much does proofreading cost?
The CIEP suggests a minimum UK rate of about £32 an hour. A full-length book usually takes several days. You get a fixed quote first.
Do you proofread on PDF?
Yes. We can mark up PDFs and print proofs directly.
Before you start.
Practical guides on proofreading from our writers.
PublishingTraditional vs self-publishing in the UK: which is right for you?
Traditional vs self-publishing in the UK compared on cost, control, royalties, speed and reach, so you can decide which route suits your book and goals.
PublishingDo you need an ISBN in the UK? A plain-English guide
Do you need an ISBN to publish a book in the UK? When you need one, where UK authors get them, free Amazon ISBNs versus your own, and legal deposit.
BooksHow to choose a book title that sells
How to choose a book title that readers remember and search engines find, with nine quick tests, examples by genre, and how subtitles help non-fiction.Related.
Editing
Developmental editing, line editing and copy-editing for novels, memoirs and non-fiction, with a fixed quote before we start.
Learn moreAmazon KDP
Formatting, upload, categories and keywords, so your book goes live on Amazon in paperback, hardback and Kindle. Under your account, with your royalties.
Learn moreCover design
A cover that tells readers exactly what kind of book this is, and makes them want to open it. For print and ebook.
Learn moreReady to talk about your proofreading?
A free, no-obligation quote within one working day. NDA available before you share a thing.