Proofreading and copyediting for non-fiction authors
I am a friendly, collaborative proofreader and editor with a background in business, education, defence and the public sector. I will work with you to deliver clear, accurate and professional writing to suit your purpose.
Services
Copyediting
You’ve written your first draft and are ready to show it to someone else. Does it make sense? Does it say what you think it says? How will someone else interpret it?
Full proofreading of your writing plus comprehensive feedback on layout, consistency, tone of writing and style.
Proofreading
You’re done! You’ve written everything you need, and are happy with the overall product. You just need a fresh pair of eyes to check for typos or inaccuracies that can impact, or distract from, your message.
I’ll be that final check and will undertake a thorough readthrough of your document focusing on spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Proof-editing
Not sure which service you need? Have limited time or budget for significant rewrites or restructuring? Happy for me to make minor tweaks?
Proof-editing is a combination of copyediting and proofreading. Not as in-depth as the copyediting process, but I will make minor changes or re-word where necessary whilst proofreading.
Interested in finding out more?
I’d love to help you – let’s have a conversation.
or complete the contact form below
Experience and qualifications
Career
Prior to embarking on a freelance career I was a public servant for 23 years, working across local authorities and central government departments predominantly in education and defence. My background is cemented in business development, operational delivery and corporate governance and my formal educational qualifications reflect my commitment to these areas of expertise.
Formal education
MBA in Strategic Leadership (Distinction)
PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) in Post-Compulsory Education
BA Degree in Business Management
Proofreading and Editing
College of Media and Publishing – Proofreading and Editing (Distinction)
Memberships
I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and adhere to the institute’s Code of Conduct and Code of Professional Practice. I regularly attend conferences, webinars and training offered by the CIEP to ensure my continuous professional development.
Why me?
I will use the experience and credibility gained throughout my civil service career, and academic endeavours, to your advantage. I have the knowledge needed to understand your writing, allowing me to focus on how your message is delivered and tidying up the final document.
I am fastidious when it comes to attention to detail. I have written complex papers, academic reports and legally-binding educational documents so I recognise the importance of clear and accurate information and messaging.
You can trust me to work to fixed deadlines and we can discuss reasonable expectations to ensure quality of work, delivered on time. My career has been spent working within tight statutory timeframes and responding to fast-ball expectations (who doesn’t love writing a brief with an hour’s notice!) whilst still delivering quality output.
I understand the need for confidentiality and how to handle sensitive information. We will work electronically, with all communication and documents transferred and stored within an encrypted system. Nothing you share with me will be shared further.
You can expect openness and honesty from me. I will work with you to ensure your writing is to the highest standard, and I will tell you if I don’t think it is! I will share feedback clearly and productively, offering suggestions for improvement and feedback throughout.
You will never lose your voice throughout the process. I will be your critical friend, extra pair of eyes and gentle challenger. We can build a mutually enjoyable working relationship, but you are in the driving seat at all times.
A little more about Lauren
I’m currently based in South West England surrounded by beautiful views, the sea and the countryside. Married for 20 years, my husband and I have two teenagers, an elderly one-eyed cat and a 5-year-old Labrador who identifies as a lap dog and has no awareness of personal space.
I love to read (which is great for a proofreader!) and I am a huge supporter of libraries. I regularly reach my borrowing limit and then panic that I don’t have time to read everything. My challenge for this year is to read the books I already own before heading back to the library.
I have no skill with creative arts although I will watch The Great British Bake Off and The Great British Sewing Bee aspirationally, in the hope that some of their talent will make its way through the screen!
