Writing & editing

Proofreading

A final check for typos and formatting errors before your book goes public.

In short: proofreading is the final check before publication. We read the formatted proofs (or the final manuscript) for remaining typos, inconsistencies and layout errors such as bad breaks, missing page numbers or wrong headers.

Who is proofreading for?

Authors whose book has been edited and is ready, or almost ready, to publish. Proofreading isn't a substitute for editing: if the text hasn't been edited, ask about copyediting first.

What's included

A careful read of the proof PDF or final manuscript
Corrections to spelling, punctuation and typographical errors
Layout checks: headings, page numbers, running heads, widows and orphans, spacing
Marked-up PDF or tracked changes, with a short list of queries

What you'll need to provide

The proof PDF from your formatter, or the final manuscript
The style sheet from your copyeditor, if you have one

How long it takes

Your written quote gives a confirmed delivery date. The time needed depends on the word count and the format of the proofs, and on how quickly feedback comes back between rounds.

What's not included

Rewriting, structural feedback and fact-checking.

Price

Where packages are shown on this page, they are our standard prices. Prices depend on word count, and whether we proofread a formatted PDF or a Word file. For a standard package you can request an invoice: we confirm the scope first, then email the invoice, and nothing is charged online. For anything else, request a free quote that lists exactly what's included before you commit.

What you gain

Fewer errors
A careful final read before publication.
Format-aware
Available on Word files or formatted PDF proofs.
Fast turnaround options
Discuss schedules when you request a quote.

How it works

1
Formatted proof
You send the formatted PDF (or final Word file) once editing is complete.
2
Proofread
We check for typos, missed words, punctuation and layout errors such as widows and bad breaks.
3
Marked corrections
You receive marked corrections to apply, or we apply them if we also format the book.

Questions

When should I book a proofread?

After editing and, ideally, after formatting, so the proofreader can catch layout errors as well as typos.

Can you proofread a Word document instead of a PDF?

Yes. Proofreading the final Word file before formatting is common for ebooks, though a check of the formatted file is still worthwhile.

Deliverables

Corrected manuscript or annotated proof
List of queries, if any

Quick enquiry

Prefer more detail? Use the full quote form.

Packages

Choose a package to request an invoice, or ask for a quote if your project is outside its scope. Every project starts with written confirmation of scope, timing and payment.

Show prices in

Prices are set in USD. Other currencies are estimates using the European Central Bank reference rate of 26 October 2026. The final amount and payment currency are confirmed on your invoice; showing a currency here doesn't mean payment can already be made in it.

Proofread
From USD 450
Up to 40,000 words; then USD 0.012 per word
For authors whose book has been edited and formatted and who want a last check before publishing. One full pass catches typos, missed words, punctuation slips and layout errors, marked on your PDF or Word file.
Included
- One full proofreading pass
- Marked corrections on your PDF or Word file
- Short summary of recurring issues
You provide
- Final formatted PDF or edited Word file
- Any style preferences
Optional extras
- Rush delivery (+25%)
Not included
- Copyediting or rewriting
Turnaround
7–10 working days, starting once the deposit and final file are received
Revisions
One check of applied corrections
Payment
Invoiced as a 50% deposit to book your slot, then 50% before the final files are delivered.
Request an invoice Ask a question first
The price shown is indicative. We review your request, confirm the scope and email an invoice; nothing is charged online.

Guides

Developmental editing vs copyediting vs proofreading: which do you need?What each type of editing does, the order they happen in, and how to decide which your manuscript needs now.