How to Select the Best Proofreading Service

There are proofreading services that offer different proofreading types, and you must choose the one which suits your needs. It is essential to have a proofread document free of grammatical, spelling, punctuation, and other inconsistencies, so when you get a proofreading service, make sure you get it right.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Proofreading Service 

• The first thing to do when selecting proofreading services would be to check the proofreader's credentials. Check if they are members of either national or international proofreaders' associations that hold regular proofreading conferences where proofreaders can share news, information, and experience on proofreading.
• You may check their background as proofreaders by checking for testimonials and proofreading samples.
• Ensure you read proofreaders' privacy policy, especially when proofreaders are working online; everything you write or submit can be proofread by an outsider without your knowledge. Find out if they offer any guarantees on their work since proofreading is not the same as editing; proofreading involves correcting common writing errors like grammar, spelling, and punctuation proofing. Editing is about correcting inconsistencies that may have crept into the proofread document.
• You will also want to know if proofreaders accept rush jobs. Do they work 24/7 on proofreading assignments? What are their rates for proofreading? Check if proofreaders charge extra fees or per proofreading page and if they proofread only one document or multiple documents. Some proofreaders may charge per proofreader hour, others per proofreading minute. Find out the best deal to benefit you in terms of money and time.
• You can request sample proofreading work from proofreaders before hiring them. This has several advantages over choosing proofreaders on the spot. 
• Sample proofreading work can help you choose proofreaders with a proofreading style that will make your document free of errors and inflow and pleasant to read.
• Proofreaders may also use specific software to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation errors, and the like but make sure proofreaders proofread your work with proofreading style.
• Always ask proofreaders to quote prices over the phone or by email, check proofreaders' rates if they are reasonable before engaging their proofreading services since proofreading fees are usually higher than editing fees, proofreading tasks being more difficult and time-consuming than editors.
• It is also essential to proofread sample work before proofreading services are rendered to make sure the final manuscript matches your style.
• Check the proofreader's website to see if there is a proofreading demo. You can ask the proofreader to give you sample work in case of any doubts later on.
• Proofreaders may charge you for proofreading by pages. For example, a proofreader may charge 1 cent per word or $1 per page. 
• Proofreaders may proofread your document within 30 minutes, or they may proofread the manuscript within two business days.
• Many proofreading companies offer grammar and spelling proofers separately or integrated into one price, and you can choose according to your preferences.
• If there is a need for multiple proofreading sessions, you can ask the proofreader to quote work at each stage, or you can make several files proofread one by one.
• If you found at least two good proofreaders on your search, check each proofreader and choose one by comparing prices, testimonials, proofed documents, ratings, proofed copy, and other parameters. 

Proofreaders are also called editors, but they're not always the same thing. Editors edit books and magazines as well as texts. Proofreaders only proofread text written by other people, so some prefer to call them 'text editors.' You can refer to the mentioned points to select a competent proofreading service for your custom needs.