Hi, I'm Laura,
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a proofreader, copyeditor and researcher.
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You've already done the toughest part:
to write an article, the thesis or a story.
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And now, want?
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Well, now it's my turn.
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Let me show you what I can do to help your writing be clearer and stronger.
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WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU IS...
COPYEDITING
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When you have finished your manuscript and are happy with its content, I will make sure that:
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the grammar is clear
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the spelling is consistent
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the punctuation in place
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the vocabulary is accurate
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there is no missing information
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the structure of the text is logical
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the headings are appropriate
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the bibliography or reference list is complete
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the tone is appropriate for the readership
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images, graphs and tables are in place
So that when we finish, your manuscript is accurate, easy to read, consistent, coherent and free of mistakes.
PROOFREADING
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When the manuscript has been edited but it needs one last final revision, I will make sure that:
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there are no typos or grammatical errors
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hyphenation, capitalisation and abbreviations are consistent throughout the document
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images, graphs and tables and their captions are correct, consistent and where they should be
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captions, headings and subheadings are correct and match the table of contents
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the bibliography or reference list is complete
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the pagination is correct
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the formatting is consistent
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there are no ambiguities in the text
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This is the last stage before sending the manuscript to print or for publication.
WHAT DO I SPECIALISE IN?
EDITING FOR WRITERS WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS NOT ENGLISH
If your first language is not English and you want to ensure your manuscript is of high quality, I will make sure that:
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the spelling is correct and consistent
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the vocabulary is accurate
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the use of articles, prepositions, adverbs and modal verbs is appropriate
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the use of verbs tenses is correct
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the punctuation marks are properly used
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the syntax is clear
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the text flows and its structure is coherent
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the tone and register of the language are appropriate to the readership
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So that when we finish, your manuscript is written in an international English and is ready for publication.
DISCIPLINES AND GENRES
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Academic writing
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Archaeological Sciences
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Forensic Sciences
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Anthropology
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Biological Sciences
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Medical Sciences
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Fiction genres​
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Fantasy
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Science Fiction
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Modern Fiction
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However I would be happy to work with other academic, non-fiction and fiction genres. ​
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
When should I contact you?
Ideally, as soon as you know when you will finish the writing of the manuscript. This is will allow me to schedule time to work on your project. Bear in mind that you will need to address the queries and review my edit, so make sure you factor in enough time if you are thinking of having the manuscript copyedited or proofread.
But, what if I don't know what I need?
If you have doubts about the process or you don't know what would be best for your project, no problem, just email me. We can discuss it and decide what is best for you and your project.
How long will it take?
This will depend on the length of your project and how much work it requires. If you send me a sample of I will be able to estimate how long it will take.
How much will it cost?
I work on fixed rates so the fee will depend on the time it will take me to edit which also depends on the complexity of the edit. We will agree on the fee in advance. If you want to know a bit more about costs, check the suggested minimum rates in the industry.
How do you work?
I copyedit in MS Word, using track changes and notes, and I can proofread in MS Word and PDF documents using track changes as well as BSI marks. I can also copyedit and proofread on paper using BSI marks.
When can we start?
That is easy, drop me an email and we can have a chat about your exciting project and how I can help you.
TESTIMONIALS
"Not only did Laura's editing feedback improved my work and made me a better writer, but also her enthusiasm for my project helped me bolster my motivation to keep going. Seeing positive comments on my transcript made me feel that other people might be interested to read my novel too. You couldn't get an editor more passionate about writing, and writing well."
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J. Dayes. Aspiring novelist in the psychological thriller genre.
"I found working with Laura to be fabulous. She gave clear comments on areas of my work that the reader would have struggled with and saw links between sections that I had missed. Her scientific background also helped with comments on tables and presentation of data. She made herself available if I wanted to discuss anything. I would highly recommend her skills as an editor."
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M. C. Weale. PhD candidate in Archaeology
BLOG
Besides proofreader, copyeditor and researcher, I love reading Fantasy and Sci Fi and I currently review for the British Fantasy Society.
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So, if you know what I'm reading and what I think of it: watch this space.
ABOUT ME
Hi again,
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I am an English-language proofreader and copyeditor from Barcelona. I've been living in the UK for the last decade.
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My background is in biomedical sciences and archaeological and forensic research. I studied Human Biology and Life Sciences at the Pompeu Fabra University and finished my undergrad at the Archaeology Department from the University of York. I hold an MSc by Research in Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh, and an MSc in Human Osteology and Palaeopathology followed by a PhD in Archaeology by the University of Bradford.
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My research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) and International Journal of Palaeopathology.
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In 2017, I won the Media Fellowship by British Science Association and I had the opportunity to work at Nature News as a junior reporter.
I had always been a bookworm and a bit of a wordsmith but then I realised there was a whole new world of editing to explore. I wanted to learn that beautiful magic the editors practised. I am now a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and I have been learning and training to improve my craft so I can make your voice shine through the manuscript.
I have always been fascinated by languages. Beyond English, Catalan and Spanish, I have studied French, I can defend myself in Italian, I am currently wrestling with Arabic and Japanese – yes, at the same time – and eyeing at Navajo. So if English is not our first language and you want to publish in English, trust me, I understand your questions and doubts, and I can help you elevate your English.
After living in Barcelona, York, Edinburgh, Bradford, Leeds and Manchester, I find myself in London but wherever in the world you are, I'd love to hear from you.