Proof-Ed. provides proofreading and editing services at competitive hourly rates. Some proofreading and editing services charge clients per correction, but I prefer to charge for my services at hourly rates so that I am able to give an accurate estimate of pricing to my customers in advance of their agreement to use Proof-Ed.’s services, should this be requested. I also want my customers to feel confident that I only make changes which are necessary to improve the quality of their writing. My rates are fair and reflect how much time I will need to spend on their work – whether they are experienced professional writers of English or students who have English as a second language.

Proof-Ed. can provide a page rate to publishers if preferred.

Proofreading or Editing?

I have two hourly rates: a proofreading rate and an editing rate. 

My proofreading rate is reserved for material which is ready to be published once a final proofread has taken place. Proofreading is undertaken to catch last minute typographical errors. Essentially, the material I receive which is appropriate for proofreading is a “proof” and not a working document. Unless a manuscript has been accepted for publication as it stands, it is likely that the client will need the editing service I offer rather than the straightforward proofreading service. This is the case even where the client has an excellent standard of English. Indeed, most clients who approach Proof-Ed. are looking for an editing service.

My editing rate is for those whose work needs more than the catching of typographical errors. Clients may need assistance checking that their written work is grammatical, that sentences are put together correctly, and that there is no awkwardness or difficulty in the choice of language. They may be looking for someone to pick up on areas which are difficult to follow or repetitive, and they are hoping to hear some suggestions for improvements or short comments and queries to help them to rethink or rephrase. They may also need assistance with references and stylistic changes. Of course, they will also want any typographical errors or spelling mistakes correcting. 

Rates

As of September 2025, my hourly rates are as follows:

Proofreading: £26.00

Editing: £30.00

I ask that customers enquiring about the proofreading of a large manuscript contact me as soon as possible to ensure that I have the availability and that I can complete the work in time to allow them to make corrections before, for example, publisher or supervisory deadlines.

Student Dissertations and PhD Theses

Proof-Ed. is happy to work with post-graduate students who are submitting PhD theses or who have been asked to make corrections post-Viva or prior to publication. Please note that I cannot offer academic feedback and I do not write content.

If you would like me to give you an estimation of time and cost, please contact me with a representative sample of your work (a chapter is usually a good representative sample). This is established by taking into account your level of competency in English, academic writing style and referencing skill, as well as word/page count.

Please note that correction of bibliographies is charged additionally and that I cannot edit documents which have used software such as Endnotes. 

I ask that students contact me as soon as possible if they are enquiring about the proofreading of a thesis to ensure that I have the availability and that I can complete the work in time of the student’s deadlines. 

Many of my student clients have been able to secure funding for editing/proofreading from their university. If you are uncertain whether your university offers such funding, I would recommend asking your academic department about this. 

Indexing Services

An index allows the reader to navigate a text quickly according to subjects and key words which are listed at the back of the book. Indexing occurs right at the end of the production process, once a manuscript has been typeset. It is a good idea for writers to keep a note of terms for indexing as they are researching and writing their texts. I ask that customers work together with me to give me a list/lists of terms to index (and sources, if relevant) because the author will know their text better than anyone else. 

My hourly rate for indexing is £32.00.

Please contact me directly for more information, or for an estimate: Sarah[at]Proof-Ed.com.

Please note that potential customers are able to request an estimate without any obligation of using Proof-Ed’s services.