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INFORMATION some explanation Copy-editing or proofreading? The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading have clear and detailed definitions. We can do no better than, with thanks, reproduce their small print here ... ​ Copy-editing The tasks carried out during copy-editing will vary depending on the nature of the text, how and where it will be published, what work has or will be carried out by someone else, and practical considerations such as the budget and time available. Here are some typical copy-editing tasks. ​ Checking Checking that all elements of a text or document are present, in the right order and are referred to in exactly the same way throughout. For example: chapter/section titles match list of contents numbered lists and chapters/sections are sequential illustrations are all provided and match the text content, and appropriate captions have been written citations correspond exactly to the details in the reference section or bibliography; all entries in a reference section are cited in the text. ​ Checking that any references to content or features elsewhere in the text (cross-references) are accurate. Checking that basic facts and arguments are plausible, consistent and reasonable. Querying any language that is non-inclusive or problematic from a legal point of view. In fiction, checking that characters’ physical characteristics (such as eye colour) and names stay the same, making sure the timeline and the fictional world hold together, and keeping the narrative voice consistent (for example, making sure it doesn’t leap from first person to third person). ​​ Correcting and making consistent Correcting errors or inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, grammar, style and usage. Checking and correcting spellings of names, for example of places or people. Imposing consistency in use of, for example, italics, bold and capitals. Improving clarity by rewording or reformatting text that is confusing or convoluted, or suggesting structural additions to help readability such as headings or lists. ​ Cleaning Cleaning up the document before it goes for design/layout (for example by removing unwanted formatting and extra spaces). Marking up the structure of the document (such as heading levels, boxed items, lists, figures and images). This is typically done using paragraph and character styles and/or tags. ​ Communicating Creating and populating information documents (such as a style sheet and instructions for the designer/typesetter) that those following them in the project will need. Liaising with the author or intermediary on anything that the copy-editor cannot confirm alone, such as preferred points of style, approval of suggested rewording or the location of missing information. ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Proofreading In traditional publishing, proofreading is the stage in the workflow that comes after copy-editing – once the text is in layout and before publication. Often the word ‘proofreading’ is used more loosely, to describe almost any editorial intervention and correction to a text. Because proofreading and copy-editing are different tasks and need professionals with specific skills, it’s important for both client and professional to understand which service the text needs. ​ A proofreader should help to ensure that a text is ready to be published. You can think of it as the final quality check. Because the proofreader works near the end of the publication process, they are usually looking for remaining errors that must be corrected. Unless they have been specifically briefed to do so as extra paid tasks, the proofreader will not be rewording sentences, making larger structural interventions such as reordering blocks of text or inserting headings, or fact-checking (but they may raise a query about anything that seems wrong). ​ Formats and markup We work mostly with Microsoft Word, PDF, and good old paper (hard copy); all formats are fine, we will work in whichever way is most convenient to you. However, there are differences between format types that will have a knock-on effect in terms of the time spent on editing. In Word we will markup (highlight suggested changes) using Track Changes. This method has the distinct advantage that you can then view each and every change that we make and have the ability to accept or reject them (sometimes this can be a mixed blessing). We use bespoke markup tools for PDF markup. PDF markup takes longer than using Word's Track Changes, but is more versatile in that it allows the editor/proofreader the freedom to implement British Standard markup symbols. Of course, the hieroglyph-like symbols we refer to will not suit everyone's requirements and for this reason we can either supply an editing-symbol key or simply explain our changes in plain English ... it's all up to you. ​ Substantive editing Here is a brief overview of an even more in-depth form of editing, so called substantive or developmental editing. The purpose of this kind of edit is to make your document; your novel, journal paper, memoir etc., functional for your intended audience. A substantive edit precedes both the copy-editing and proofreading stages, and is primarily an analysis-based exercise, as opposed to the rules-based approach, common to copy-editing and proofreading. For this reason a substantive editor works more closely with the author than a copy-editor or proofreader might; substantive editing is a collaborative process that deals with the overall structure of the project. A typical checklist approach might be as follows: ​ Does the document work as a coherent whole? Is the order and presentation of information logical (from the target audience's point of view)? Is all necessary information included, and unnecessary information deleted? Are the table of contents, internal headings, indexes useful? Do they contain terms that are useful to the target audience? Concerning say a website, are the navigation aids logical and useful in context? ​ Other considerations include Sentence complexity and use of active or passive verbs Conciseness Clear, logical development of ideas Use of jargon or technical terms appropriate for the intended audience.

Freelance editing and proofreading Members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading BEDFORD & GROVE Partnership ​ © 2020, all rights reserved. SERVICES ​We offer proofreading and copy-editing services including: novels, dissertations (PhD and Master's thesis, final-draft proofreading only), journal articles, website content, business literature, CVs, maths and science examination/tutor booklets, brochures etc. We also offer a bespoke English as second language ( ESL ) service. More Info WHAT WE DO Bedford & Grove provide professional editing, proofreading, and writing services. We know our success depends upon your satisfaction; to that end we guarantee never to miss an agreed deadline and never to outsource your work. We hope our work speaks for itself. More Info CLIENTS Our list of current and recent clients includes academics, publishers, artists, authors, and corporates including The Royal Society , Charlesworth Author Services, Elizabeth Delo, and Cambridge University Press . More Info ABOUT US We are an army of two freelance editors , working hard to build a well recognised, friendly, and reliable service. We edit, proofread, and even write your content. Our goal is to ensure your message and vision are preserved through the application of diligent and careful attention to detail. We help authors and business professionals of all stripes to polish and present their written message (see our page of clients and publications ). We will never offload your work to a third party and will always meet your deadline.​​ ​ ​Please browse our website, look at our services , and contact us to discuss how we can help you.​ While you are here, please take a moment to read some nice things that some of our clients have written about our work. Learn more Clients CLIENTS & PUBLICATIONS See the full list

CODE OF PRACTICE necessary stuff As members of the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders we are bound to abide by their Code of Practice. This has been developed by the CIEP to encourage best practice in the industry, and as such, it is useful to proofreaders and editors and their clients. You can see the CIEP full Code of Practice here . This is how CIEP sums up its Code of Practice: CIEP's Code of Practice (CoP), ensuring editorial excellence, is a really useful resource for editorial workers – editors, proofreaders and project managers, whether working freelance or in-house – and their clients and employers. Its purpose is to establish standards of best practice for CIEP members and help them maintain them and to encourage good professional relationships. ​ Good communication between client/employer and freelance/employee is essential. Clear briefing and the agreement of terms are vital if high standards are to be maintained by both parties, and unsurprisingly they're emphasised by the CoP. ​ In addition, the CoP includes guidance on: the professional behaviour of both freelance/employee and client/employer standards for proofreading, editing and project management information on web editing, electronic file handling, email etiquette, confidentiality and computer security ​ The CoP is endorsed by the CIEP council. Although it is not a legal document, it is considered binding on members and Corporate Subscribers.

PUBLISHERS freelancing We work either directly or indirectly for The Royal Society, Charlesworth Author Services, CUP, OUP, Pearson Education, and others. We have good experience of the demanding and challenging nature of freelancing for publishers. ​ What we can do proofreading and copy-editing developmental editing technical editing business editing proofreading and editing of books (fiction and non-fiction), and technical or instructional manuals etc. work in soft (Word and PDF) or hard format work blind or against copy, using BSI5261C:2005 as necessary. ​ Our experience SfEP and CIEP trained experienced with Word tracked changes and Adobe commenting tools. substantive editing and final proof-editing of novels. editing PhD theses and scientific papers in a variety scientific fields. experienced users of LaTeX and Tex typesetting programs as well as the usual mainstream software. ​ Benefits we offer excellent communication professional and timely adherence to deadlines excellent work ethic strong background in science, engineering, and mathematics. an accurate and fast turnaround service. ​ Please contact us for further information.

HOW IT WORKS some details If proofreading is new to you, please take a few moments to read a little about how we'll get started. We have outlined below our standard method of working for proofreading (or copy-editing) novels, theses etc. The process is as follows: ​ We will ask you to provide some details of the material to be proofread, such as how many words, whether it’s a novel, a journal article, a thesis etc. We will also ask you some questions about the format of the material and how you will want us to show the edit (e.g., in Word markup, PDF commenting, formal British Standard (BSI5261C:2005), or simply good old-fashioned red-pen comments in the margin). ​ ​ We will ask to see an example of the material that needs to be proofread, just a few sample pages, from which we will be able to get an idea of the work involved, for example: a final proofread or a more detailed edit. An idea of your deadline will be useful at this stage. ​ Any material that you send to us will be kept confidential (see terms and conditions ). ​ We will return your sample pages to demonstrate how the corrections and queries will look, together with a quotation price for the job. ​ If you wish us to carry out the edit for you we will send you a contract outlining our agreement, we will then ask you to send us your work so that we can begin the edit. It might be that we agree that edited sections are returned along the way. ​ We will return your edited document in a timely manner, in accordance with your deadline and our contract. ​ For large jobs like novels or theses we ask that half the fee be paid prior to commencement of the work, the remainder will be invoiced in the usual way on completion of the work.

BUSINESS working with corporates You are a busy person, after all you've a business to run. Your time is precious, as is your reputation with your customers and suppliers. You might require in-house documentation for your staff, advertising flyers, a website, a detailed report or proposal, or some other pressing and important documentation. Easy enough to knock out some words perhaps, but what about the final product, the impression you want to give? Of course, you could do it yourself, after all, you know your business better than anyone. But do you have the time, not just to get the words down, but to produce a well-written, grammatically correct piece that presents your message clearly and concisely with everything checked down to the very last punctuation detail? ​ What we can do for you proofreading and/or copy-editing of your advertisements, flyers, website, or any written message that helps your business; don't forget, there's a mini glossary of edit types on the information page help with written content e.g., internal communications, advertising material, letters to clients and suppliers help with website creation and maintenance. Please contact us for an informal discussion on how we might be able to help with any or more of these suggestions. ​ Our experience We are members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. We have a combined experience of over 40 years' experience working in motorsport, defence, academia, aviation, law, schools, and television; all sectors in which written communication is a key factor to success. We have constructed, edited, and maintained several small-business websites. ​ Benefits we offer We can offer the fine-detail of proofreading, the close scrutiny that uncovers those gremlins of grammar and punctuation, spelling and spacing, indeed a check of every single character. We will check for consistency, that names and dates are correct, that headings, style, font sizes are as you want them throughout the entire document. We also offer a more in-depth edit that covers the bigger picture. We will make sure that your message is clearly written and easily understood and that the construction and wording suits your particular audience. First impressions make a difference, we all know that. The reputation of you and your business can hang on the words you use to communicate your ideas. You want customers, new and old, to think only the best of your endeavours. We can help you clean away all of those irksome mistakes that can so often give the wrong first impression. We promise an accurate and fast turnaround service. As members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading we are bound by its established code of practice . ​ If you would like to work with dedicated freelance editors who will take the time to understand your requirements, be sympathetic to the constraints of your busy work life, and offer you a comprehensive, reliable, and cost effective service, then please contact us today.

HOW MUCH? not as much as you might think Our rates are based on the minimum rates published by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). However, no two jobs are ever the same and the services we provide will inevitably be tailored to your requirements. We usually like to provide quotations based on our assessment of a representative sample of your work, and after a discussion of what service is best for you. We prefer to work at an hourly rate, but sometimes it's just easier to agree on a fixed fee. We have a minimum fee for small jobs (less than an hour's work). We also offer a discounted rate for final-draft editing of theses and dissertations (ask us about this ). ​ There is no charge for an initial enquiry. There is no charge for the preparation of quotations. We do not charge VAT. For short projects, taking less than an hour, we have a minimum fee of £30. Once engaged for the job, time taken on emails and telephone calls are included as part of the standard hourly rate. We accept payment by bank transfer. ​ Post-graduate discount We offer a permanent 10% discount for all final-draft proofreading of Master's and PhD dissertations (see the postgraduate page) ​ We will endeavour to start work on your project as soon as possible, but please bear in mind that we will almost inevitably be 'mid-project' when you get in touch. So please think ahead if you are working to a tight deadline. Proofreading is generally a little faster than copy-editing and we usually budget around 2,000 to 2,500 words per hour (on average and depending on the original format) for the former, and 1,500 to 2,000 for the latter. It always helps if you can provide us with a total word count, it makes quotations much easier. We are happy to work with Word or PDF, though it's always faster with Word.

ABOUT We are a husband and wife team who, some years ago, decided to work together on a project that not only made more efficient use of our time and resources, but also pooled our life experiences – the results were good and Bedford & Grove was born in 2019. With our combined experience of editing corporate, fiction and non-fiction, academic, science and engineering, and all manner of independent works, we offer a broad range of editing and writing services together with a friendly and open approach toward our clients. We live and work in a quiet village on the edge of Bodmin moor in Cornwall, but communicate and work with clients all over the world. THE TEAM a little about us MATTHEW LAIGHT Founder and Partner Matthew is founder and partner at Bedford & Grove. He spends much of his time (work and leisure) working with some form of the English language. He reads and writes for pleasure, and works closely with publishers, writers, artists, and academics in the pursuit of clearly expressed words. He holds a first-class degree in engineering and a PhD in fluid dynamics from the University of Cambridge; he is a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) – you can find Matthew's CIEP directory listing here . CLARE LAIGHT Partner Clare is partner at Bedford & Grove. She has over 30 years' experience working in aviation (she has a private pilot licence), television, managing a busy law practice, and working in a large secondary school as Head's PA. Her interests away from her busy office include horse riding, gardening, and walking. Clare is an Intermediate Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). Here are some kindly forwarded testimonials .

Ts AND Cs small print These terms and conditions apply to any work done for the Client by the Freelancer. The Client is under no obligation to offer the Freelancer work; neither is the Freelancer under any obligation to accept work offered by the Client. The Freelancer will provide service(s) as mutually agreed, confirmed in writing by the Client. The work will be carried out unsupervised at such times and places as determined by the Freelancer, using his own equipment. The Freelancer confirms that she/he is self-employed, is responsible for her/his own income tax and National Insurance contributions, and for paying VAT (where applicable) and will not claim benefits granted to the Client's employees. The Freelancer agrees to attend the Client's or other premises for necessary meetings, the time spent and agreed reasonable expenses incurred to be reimbursed by the Client. The Client will reimburse the Freelancer for agreed reasonable expenses over and above usual expenses incurred in the process of editorial work. The Client will pay the Freelancer a fee per hour OR per printed page OR an agreed flat fee for the job, plus VAT where applicable. The completed work will be delivered on or before the date agreed, for the agreed fee, which will be based on the description of the work required and the brief, both supplied by the Client. If, however, on receipt of the item to be worked on or at an early stage, it becomes apparent that significantly more work is required than had been anticipated in the preliminary discussion/brief, the Freelancer may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. Similarly, if, during the term of the Freelancer's work, additional tasks are requested by the Client, the Freelancer may renegotiate the fee and/or the deadline. If the project is lengthy, the Freelancer may invoice periodically for completed stages. Any content created by the Freelancer as part of the copy-editing/proofreading/project management process will become the copyright of the Client, unless otherwise agreed. The nature and content of the work will be kept confidential and not made known to anyone other than the Client and its contractors without prior written permission. The Freelancer guarantees that any work that she/he subcontracts on behalf of the Client will be completed to the same standard, schedule and budget and with the same conditions of confidentiality. If the Freelancer's work is unsatisfactory, the Freelancer will rectify it in her/his own time and at her/his own expense. Unless agreed otherwise at the outset, payment will be made within 30 days of receipt of the Freelancer's invoice, according to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (amended 2002 and 2013). The information that the Client and the Freelancer may keep on record is covered by the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation. No more such information will be held than is necessary, at any time, to comply with those terms and with any compliance statement or privacy policy published by the Client and/or the Freelancer. Both the Client and the Freelancer agree that, where consent is required to hold or process such data, such consent has been requested and obtained and both facts can be demonstrated. Either may view the other’s records to ensure that they are relevant, correct and up to date. Either the Client or the Freelancer has the right to terminate a contract for services if there is a serious breach of its terms. If the Freelancer has made a substantial contribution to the copy-editing/proofreading/project management of the work, she/he will be entitled to receive one free copy of the work. The Freelancer may use the Client's name in her/his promotional material. This agreement is subject to the laws of England and Wales [or Scots or Northern Ireland law, as appropriate], and both Freelancer and Client agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English and Welsh [or Scots or Northern Ireland] courts.