FAQ

1. What does it cost to proofread an annual report?
   This actually is the most frequently asked question. If all you need is a final detailed read-through of an English report, I can give you a quote as soon as I know how many pages there are.

   If you want me to look at the copy earlier as well or to check client changes at various stages, I would bill by the hour for that.
   

2. What qualifies you to call yourself an editor?
   There is no formal qualification for claiming to be an editor, just as there is none to call yourself a graphic designer or art director.

   I'm a graduate of the two-year Book and Magazine Publishing program at Centennial College and have attended many other courses and seminars, but the most important training was studying spelling, grammar and punctuation throughout both public school and high school. To that, add meticulous attention to detail, sensitivity to the needs of readers, knowledge of typography and lots of common sense.
   

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3. Aren't you really just a proofreader?
   Proofreading is a big part of my work and probably what I'm best known for, but I can do a lot more than that. Even when I'm just proofreading, I bring the rest of my experience and editorial judgment to the project, and may be able to point out and help solve other potential problems.

   To find out what other tricks I have up my editorial sleeve, please read more about my skills and some of the projects on which I've worked.
   

4. Our receptionist has a B.A. in English. Why do we need you?
   With sincere respect for over-educated receptionists and assistants everywhere, having a B.A. -- even in English -- does not necessarily mean someone knows the mechanics of spelling, grammar and punctuation; knows what kind of language is appropriate for the target market; or knows anything at all about typography, design or production.
   

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5. We already have a writer. Why would we need an editor?
   The best writers I work with know the value of having an editor on the project, whether it's to worry about the details of spelling and punctuation or just to have another pair of critical eyes watching out for awkward wording or inconsistencies.

   Writers usually prefer to focus only on the copy. An editor on the same project might be responsible not only for the copy editing and proofreading, but also for the production schedule, picture research, indexing, typographic fine-tuning, coordinating the translation, and liaison with the designer, illustrator and printer.
   

6. Are you a writer?
   Yes, but I'm a better editor. Most of the writing I do for clients is rewriting, rather than starting from scratch. Depending on the project and the subject, I'd be interested in doing more writing and would be happy to discuss that with you -- but I won't hesitate to tell you when I think you'd be better off with a journalist or copywriter.
   

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7. Is copy editing the same as copywriting?
   No. Copy editing is checking the spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, hyphenation and factual accuracy of what someone else -- maybe a copywriter -- has already written.
   

8. Are you bilingual?
   No, but I read French quite comfortably, know a lot of French business and investment terminology and often surprise clients and translators by catching discrepancies between English and French documents that had been overlooked. I'm also very familiar with French typographic style.
   

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9. Where do you work?
   Most freelance editors work at home. I work wherever it's most convenient for my clients. Usually that is at home, but it might be at your office.
   

10. How do you bill?
    It depends on the job and the client. It's possible to estimate some kinds of projects, but sometimes hourly billing works best. Let's talk about it.
    

11. Do you ever work weekends?
    Certainly -- and evenings and holidays. To me, that's just part of freelancing. However, if the work can be done only at night or on a weekend or holiday because of a client's schedule, there may be a surcharge.