Meet the proofreaders behind bestsellers
The proofread is the last stage in the editing process. With the finish line in sight, a professional proofreader can step in and help ensure that your book is error-free.
On Reedsy, meet proofreaders who help create bestselling and award-winning books. With years of experience as proofreaders for editors at Big Five publishing houses, they have keen eyes for spotting every mistake.
Shawna H.
Available to hire
Caring, supportive editor of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi for traditional publishers (Tor, Nightfire, Bramble) and indie authors.
Allison M.
Available to hire
Non-fiction editor with extensive experience in many subjects, gained over 25 years from publishers including Routledge and Palgrave
David K.
Available to hire
I'm a versatile editor, writer, copy editor, fact-checker, and proofreader with experience in all types of print and digital media.
Sandy F.
Available to hire
Literary agent; picture book consultant and development editor; published author/illustrator; mentored by Maurice Sendak at Yale.
Andrew D.
Available to hire
Expert copy editor and proofreader with 20 years' experience. I love working with career guide, self-help, business and memoir authors.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the final stage in the book publishing process. You can think of it as a “safety net,” where a proofreader will help eliminate all remaining errors in your book before it hits the press. By the end of the proofread, you can expect your book to be free from spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and any other issues that might spoil a reader’s enjoyment of your writing.
Note that this type of editing does not address “big picture” issues in your manuscript, voice, or prose. It focuses solely on catching the black-and-white technical missteps in your book, whether a missing comma or the wrong typeface in a chapter heading. Your manuscript is ready for publication only after it’s been proofread.
How to choose a proofreader
Reedsy proofreaders have worked with authors like Suzanne Collins, Danielle Steel, and Emily St. John Mandel. We handpick our editors based on their industry experience, accepting only the top 3% of applicants to ensure a high-quality collaboration.
Assemble your team
Request quotes from up to 5 professionals in your genre with a free Reedsy account.
Here are a few things to consider when searching for your editor.
- Shortlist editors based on their specialty genres. If you’re writing a fantasy book, for instance, you may need a proofreader who has experience reading unusual names of characters and places.
- Browse their portfolio to get a sense of their experience. Have they worked with first-time authors before? Don’t forget to also check their reviews to get a better idea of their previous work.
- Be clear about your preferences. If you have a preferred style sheet in mind already, for instance, communicate it to your proofreader so that you’re both on the same page from the beginning.
The clearer you are in communicating your needs, the more likely our proofreaders are to respond with accurate quotes. And remember, for the best chance at landing your first-choice proofreader, try to send your requests as early as possible.
