Typos and spelling mistakes are easy to miss. But they stick out like a soar thumb and make even the most professional business look incompetent.
Did you see what we did there?
When you pick a proofreading service, you’re outsourcing for peace of mind.
What a Proofreading Service Will Do
Proofreading isn’t editing. It may seem like semantics, but it’s crucial to understand the difference before hiring a proofreading service. So what is it?
Editing is further up the food chain. A good editor will make cuts to content, reduce the wordiness and improve the overall flow of a document. Often, an editor works directly with an author to improve the quality of writing.
Proofreading is about the final look and feel. A good proofreading service will:
- Fix grammar errors in copy
- Review punctuation
- Eliminate inconsistencies
- Check the formatting for problems
If you want to go it alone, check out these five best proofreading practices for business. If not, read on.
How to Pick a Proofreading Service
The following method applies when choosing most services – not when just hiring for proofreading. Read reviews, consider costs, and opt for specialist services if you can.
Let’s break down why.
Read Reviews
Reading online reviews is a great first step when considering your options for proofreading services.
You’ll find reviews on independent websites such as Yelp and Trustpilot. A simple Google search is a good start. Take testimonials and reviews on a company’s website with a grain of salt – there’s a reason they’re there, after all.
Once you’ve narrowed down your pool of potentials, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Consider Turnaround Time
Turnaround time comes with an associated price tag. Fast turnaround times mean higher costs and many services offer a rush option for when you’re in a hurry.
Ask yourself what timeframe you’re looking at, and adjust your focus to match.
Don’t settle by comparing proofreading costs alone. Proofreading is about an eye for detail and quality – and cheap service is more prone to letting mistakes slip through the net. Mistakes that you’re paying to have removed.
Ask For Samples
Once you’re satisfied you’ve found a potential service to work with, reach out and ask for samples of them proofreading business documents.
Make sure you get before and after samples of the work they’ve edited. That will help you to understand the sort of changes they’re likely to make.
Choose Specialists Over Generalists
Proofreading services hire professional writers who can approach most documents. But sometimes you need niche expertise – particularly if your business is in a highly technical field.
Bear in mind that technical experts will command a higher price.
Never Let a Typo Go Unnoticed
Remember that proofreading is the cherry on top. Settling for second best means relying on second-rate copy.
Take your time to pick a proofreading service that’s right for you, and you’ll never have to worry about pesky blunders that can harm your reputation needlessly.
If our article helped you out, be sure to check out others in our business category.
