Detail Matters

Copy-editing and proofreading

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Copy-editing and proofreading

Peace of mind · Confidence · Assurance

My Services Contact me

My Services


Based in Jersey Channel Islands, I provide a confidential, professional and courteous service to an international client base of individuals and SMEs. I review written materials for readability, sensibility and quality assurance prior to publication. It’s the smaller details that always tell the bigger picture and I often find the syntax doesn’t always sit well in a rushed communication. Multiple errors and inaccuracies can say a lot and potentially tarnish a brand image. My specialist expert services are exactly what you are looking for, if you want to be adroit in word usage with meticulous precision.


Examples of work undertaken


- eLearning courses for all sectors
- Brochures, leaflets and advertising material
- Feature articles for print or web
- Training course materials

- Website content (web pages and blog posts)
- Business procedures and policies
- Paralegal documents
- Presentations


Copy-editing

This is the art of querying through the application of editorial standards. It’s about understanding the subject matter, the context in which the copy is to be written and the message which is to be conveyed. It requires holistic stylisation and includes:

- Changing grammatical and spelling errors
- Checking and correcting punctuation
- Spotting errors and omissions
- Highlighting inconsistency
- Avoiding repetition
- Identifying any lack of continuity
- Examining content to be audience-appropriate
- Keeping in line with a business brand and image




Proofreading

Following typesetting or agreement on the author’s final text, I provide a very careful final draft check of online or hard copy material before it is printed or published. This is achieved by ensuring that all the accepted recommendations of the copy-editor have been met and only through persistence and determined attention to detail.

- Confirming the right sense and meaning of text
- Validating correct accreditations of fact, references and quotes
- Testing functionality of online materials / user acceptance
- Providing final polish on typographical, grammar, spelling & punctuation issues



Client Testimonials


"English proofreading is reliable with your skills. I value the very relevant questions you raise and take forward your ideas and recommendations, which are always valid indeed"

Bruno L’ecuyer, Chief Executive, Investment Migration Council, Geneva, Switzerland
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"You are a proofreading wizard! So useful having someone else go through the material, thank you. Believe it or not several other people have read and signed off on it."

Colin Tansley, Managing Director, Intelect Group, Douglas, Isle of Man

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"Your professional, conscientious proofreading service provides us with the comfort of knowing our courses are grammatically correct and free of spelling errors - thank you."

Mike Cottam, Consultant, Intelect eLearning, Douglas, Isle of Man

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My Process


I like to discuss with my client the proposed work to be undertaken and the scope of the activity required.

A quote is then provided with my contract terms for agreement with my client.

I generally request that copy or finalised copy documents are provided to me in Microsoft Word format and by email.

I use RMail, which is an encrypted email service, ensuring confidential communication at all times.

Copy-edited content is marked up with recommended changes reviewed and discussed, in order to finalise the author’s draft.

Following the copy-editing stage, the typeset copy is proofread for accuracy and any remaining typographical errors are then notified to the typesetter accordingly.

Finalised copy is submitted to my client for sign off approval, prior to printing or publishing.

About Me


image of Vivienne Neil

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I have a keen eye for detail, excellent writing skills and have always enjoyed the structure and use of the English language. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, I work within their codes of practice operating guidelines.

My working career has encompassed roles in training, business development and business take-on, banking, investment and funds administration and trust environments. Latterly I worked in the international investment migration sector.

My wealth of experience has also secured my understanding of the corporate governance and regulatory world and its associated compliant language.

Contact Me


Find out more about me on LinkedIn.

Please complete the form below to contact me.