How we Proofread

What is proofreading?
Before describing our editing process we should first clarify exactly what we mean by 'proofreading'.
The word 'proofreading' is widely used in modern English and has several subtly different meanings. In our case, 'proofreading' means to check the English in a document and correct any mistakes in spelling, syntax, and grammar. In addition, we check the contextual style of the document to make sure it is appropriate to the subject, and we also check and adjust the general English style so that the finished version reads fluently and naturally.

Our 4-step Proofreading Process

At Anchor English Proofreading the editing process is designed to ensure your document receives the most detailed attention possible.
It involves 4 separate stages:

1. Scanning stage - The proofreader scans the document (reads it through quickly) to get a feel for the tone and style and to assess the general English level.
2. Main editing stage - The document is thoroughly and carefully edited to bring the English to a clear and readable level.
3. Review stage - The proofreader views the document in its finished form and carefully reads it through a second time.This provides an opportunity to catch any mistakes missed the first time and to generally brush up and improve the document.
4. Spell check stage - Finally, we run a computer spell check of the document as a final safeguard against errors.

After this, the document is returned to the customer in the two forms described below. The customer can then review the document and request further changes or explanation until satisfied.

Samples of proofread documents

When you send us a document for proofreading we do not simply edit and return it. We think it is important that our customers can see exactly what editing changes we have made. Therefore, after editing, we send you back TWO documents, namely:

• A 'Suggested' document - This shows all the changes we have made to the original document. All insertions and deletions are clearly marked.
  
  
• A 'Changed' document - This is the final document with all the editing changes implemented, ready for immediate use.

Examples:

ORIGINAL This is the original document as received from the customer. It contains a number of errors that we need to correct

'SUGGESTED' document This document shows clearly in red all the editing changes that we have made. Additions are underlined and deletions are crossed through.

'CHANGED' document This is the final document. All the editing changes have been implemented and the document is ready for use.

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Comments
In addition to the editing changes shown in the the 'suggested' document we sometimes add 'comments'. These are small text boxes which appear when you hover your mouse over certain marked areas. We use comments to add or request further information, or to indicate areas where the meaning is unclear. You can then read these comments, give your explanation, and return the document to us for further review at no extra cost.
Comments can easily be removed. Just right-click and select 'delete comment'