The Oxford English Dictionary, one of the main authorities on the English language, contains 273,000 words, 171,476 of which are in common use. No wonder, then, that international students, internationalising businesses, and even native English-speaking academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs are using proofreading services, and – in particular – professional proofreading services, more than ever before.
Aside from the incredibly vast nature of the English language, and thus the difficulty associated with mastering it, there are other reasons why a growing number of working people and students, in almost every conceivable field, are using professional proofreading services. For one, different words may mean different things depending on the context (e.g., the homonyms “bear” and “pen”). This creates noticeable difficulties in writing and proofreading work, especially for people who grow up speaking French, Italian, or any other language that does not contain many homonyms.
Now more than at any other time, people are also using professional proofreading services due to the rise of the Internet, Web 2.0, and the ubiquity of digital technologies. For this reason, if you are looking for proofreading services, you need look no further than your PC, iMac, Android phone, or any other Internet-enabled device. Even if you are intent on finding proofreading services offered by reputable companies and freelancers in London, the UK’s capital city, it is worth remembering that Google, Yahoo, or any other search engine is the best place to start.
In the old days, finding a strong proofreader was a complex, drawn-out, and – in many cases – impossible task. Before the invention of Morse code, the electrical telegraph, the computer, and, even more recently, the World Wide Web and social media, vetting your proofreader was, for all practical purposes, not achievable in any satisfactory way. However, today, if you want to find high-quality, fast, efficient, and affordable proofreading services in London, which is a city that serves as one of the major global hubs for professional proofreading services, the first and easiest step is simply to go to your computer and begin typing.
When a proofreader, especially a trained and experienced one, checks over your work to identify and remove as many mistakes and errors as possible, it is worth remembering that they are drawing on a highly-developed and distinctive set of skills. Needless to say, not everybody possesses this set of skills, and – in some cases –a proofreader who lacks the necessary experience and attention to detail can severely damage your work. This costs you a lot, whether you are a business owner, an aspiring researcher, or a student. Not only do you waste money in paying for a service that did not provide as advertised, but you also put your reputation on the line in submitting a suboptimal document.
If you are looking for a proofreader who is based in London (or if you, a London-based business or student, want to find a proofreader), do not simply hire the first freelancer or company you come across when you conduct your Internet search.
There are many unscrupulous service providers in today’s online space. Since the World Wide Web is effectively a “World Wild West”, where anybody can publish a website and begin offering services, you should check to ensure that the company you are considering is reliable, effective, and suitable for your unique needs. One way you can do this is by communicating directly with the service provider or a representative (e.g., by phone or by email), but it is also recommended that you receive a free sample before handing over any money.
Professional Proofreading Services 