Overview
I've been working as a freelance proofreader since 2006, focusing mainly (but not exclusively) on fiction books for major UK publishing houses, including Transworld Publishers, Quercus Books, Penguin and their individual imprints. My projects include first-edition hardbacks and paperbacks, paperback reprints, and occasionally ebook conversions.
I also offer services directly to authors who are looking for editorial assistance in advance of agent submission or self-publication. This can be either a standard proofread, or an extended proofread (closer to a line edit).
Until the pandemic I worked regularly on location at the Transworld Publishers offices in London (a branch of Penguin Random House). This work is now done fully on-screen from home. This line of work comprises the duties of a desk editor: I perform final checks on book proofs, collate multiple correction files, and take on assorted editorial tasks for the managing editors.
Services
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Transworld Publishers
At least twice a month I work in-house in London for Transworld Publishers (a branch of Penguin Random House).
My responsibilities here encompass the duties of both a proofreader and a desk editor. The work I do while I'm on location includes (but is not limited to) making final checks on book proofs before they are submitted to the printers, the collation of multiple proofreaders' proofs, checking revises that have been returned from the typesetter, reviewing the work and queries of other proofreaders, analysis of revised plate sections for errors or re-flow problems, and assorted other editorial tasks as required.
Self-employed
I began working from home as a freelance proofreader in 2006, after leaving my job as a publisher's secretary. Some of the books I worked on in my first year of self-employment included novels by John Grisham, Susan Lewis, Anne Enright, Blake Morrison, Allan Mallinson, Susan Hill and Jo Nesbo. I've been lucky to work for multiple major UK publishing houses and imprints over the years, but I also work frequently with authors who are looking to have their books proofread before agent submission or self-publication. I tend to offer two different services here: a standard proofread, or an extended proofread (closer to a copy-edit).
Portfolio
Jessica has 13 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
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Abayomi A.
Feb, 2024
K. A. B.
Dec, 2023
Michael L.
Nov, 2023
K. A. B.
Oct, 2023
Kelvin R.
Sep, 2023
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