Proofreaders, editors, and writers do not need to have specific qualifications in most countries worldwide. So how can you ensure that the proofreading and editing services you are receiving are genuinely the best?
Indeed, according to UCAS in the United Kingdom, it is not necessary for proofreaders to have any qualifications other than GCSEs (a qualification typically earned at 15-16 years of age) to provide proofreading and editing to clients.
However, looking for a proofreader and finding a strong candidate for your project should not be a matter of guesswork. This is because, despite the fact that proofreaders do not need to have specific certificates or technical forms of training, there are always reliable ways to determine whether a given proofreader or editor is suitable for a project.
To choose the best possible proofreader to work with, consider the following areas – and you will be well on your way to an excellent piece of writing:
- Specialism:The proofreader should ideally be familiar with the subject area but they should primarily be a specialist in the English language.
- Word-of-mouth: Seeking out the recommendations of others about specific proofreaders is a valuable way to find affordable and high-quality services.
- Language: If you can, it is worthwhile to try to speak to your editor or proofreader to ensure that they speak your desired language as their first language.
- Sample: All experienced editors will offer a sample edit free of charge or for a negligible amount. Therefore, before you commit to an editor or proofreader, you should try out their service to see their communication style and general approach.
- Price: Currently, there is great variety in the rates that freelance proofreaders and proofreading companies charge. Paying the most doesn’t always equate to getting the best proofreader, but the cheapest companies could lead to a minimal return on investment.
- Reviews: If you are looking for a service provider online, it is valuable to look at review aggregation websites such as Trustpilot and Google.
- Type: The type of proofreader – in terms of whether they are a proofreader for books, journal articles, student papers, or PhD theses – should also be considered.
Now that you know what to look for in a proofreader, it’s worth mentioning how to exploit word-of-mouth and where to find it in relation to proofreading and editing. The main sources of word-of-mouth are friends, social media groups, book sales pages, writing website forums, and authors.
For example, given that almost every published book has both an author and editor, you can use Google to find out the details of an editor whose work you like. J. K. Rowling’s editor might be a little bit out of your price range for a journal article, but for a lesser-known author and editor, this can be an excellent way to find a reliable proofreader or editor.
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