Hi! I'm Cat, and I'm a freelance proofreader, copyeditor and structural editor
I have been working with clients from all over the world since 2010 on texts ranging from journal articles to novels and from academic dissertations and theses to cover letters and CVs. I specialise in working with non-native English speakers, academics and authors.
What can I do for you?
You can find out more about the services I offer below. Please email me to discuss your project and I'll provide you with a no obligation quote.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final step in the writing process. It ensures that the final draft of your document is free of mistakes by checking for errors in the use of language (i.e., punctuation, spelling and grammar) and presentation (i.e., UK/US style and formatting).
Copyediting
Copyediting is an in-depth process carried out earlier in the writing process that examines the quality of your writing. In addition to looking for language and presentation errors, the copyedit will identify issues related to key areas including clarity/wordiness, structure, repetition and voice.
Structural editing
Structural editing (or developmental/substantive editing) is the most complex stage of the editing process. Structural editing evaluates your manuscript as a whole by looking at the argument, structure, pacing, tone and voice (non-fiction) or the plot, structure, characterisation, voice, pacing, dialogue and flow (fiction).
Academic editing
Academic editing for established academics can take the form of proofreading or copyediting—or a combination of both! It also includes ensuring consistency in the use of style guides (e.g., citation styles and editorial guidelines).
Academic editing for students (theses and dissertations) takes the form of proofreading the manuscript to remove language and presentation errors before submission.
ESL editing
ESL editing is a form of copyediting that ensures writing produced by a non-native English speaker reads fluently—as though written by a native speaker.
You can rest assured that you are in capable hands: I am an experienced EFL teacher (CELTA trained) and language learner (German and Swedish) with over ten years' experience in this field.
Manuscript appraisal
A manuscript appraisal is an objective and thorough study of your manuscript (fiction, non-fiction or academic writing). You will be provided with a report that identifies the strengths of your manuscript and areas for development so that you can take your writing to the next level.
Areas addressed include: length, plot, structure, flow, characterisation, voice, pacing, theme and setting (fiction) and the central thesis, length, argument, structure, voice and pacing (non-fiction/academic).
Testimonials
Read what clients say about working with me
"Cat is an excellent proofreader with a high level of speciality and patience. My work has been proofread professionally and promtly. It has been a great pleasure to work with Cat for many years!"
Ge Liu
Lecturer, Coventry University
"Cat has helped me by proofreading my entire thesis, in addition to other pieces of work, since the second year of my PhD. Her work is always high standard and on time. She is very thoughtful and attentive. I had a very productive and happy time working with Cat. I definitely will continue working with her."
Qian Wang
Doctoral researcher, University of Edinburgh
"Cat's explanations and editing are perfect. I have also learned a lot from her proofreading. To be honest, when compared with other proofreaders I have used, her excellent work is beyond my expectations."
Shaun Peng
Masters student, University of Edinburgh