I need a Proofreader

January 13, 2013 by 36 Comments

proofreader

I haven’t been thinking about this as much as it may sound, but after I published my first short story for the Kindle, a story called Fuzzy, I realized that if I am going to be publishing more stories in English, I will need help. The help I am looking for is a person who can proofread my stories, and that person might even help me with the structure and the plot (especially if it’s a fiction story). I am not looking for a ghostwriter, because I still want to write my own content. It’s just that I am Norwegian, and I have realized that no matter how hard I try, I will still have a hard time writing English.

I am going to publish several books in 2013. My first Norwegian novel is going to be published in about a few weeks, and I am currently writing three other books. One Norwegian romantic novel, and one non-fiction in English (Marketing as it should be) and a short story fiction in English for the Kindle. I should probably use a proofreader for the Norwegian books as well, but that’s going to be my next project. Right now, I am focusing on the English language.

Two reasons why I need a proofreader

There are actually two reasons why I need a proofreader. The first one, is the obvious one. I need someone to help me with my language, and to help me make the books as good as they can possibly be. The second reason is that, I need help to get things done. I am working as a solo entrepreneur, and I am always working on many different projects for my clients. It’s hard to focus on writing books, when I really should be working for my clients in order to be able to pay my bills.

But, I love writing, and I want to keep writing. If I hire a proofreader, I will feel that she will be waiting for my work. And, I will add a deadline and keep working hard to finish the projects.

Where do I find a great proofreader?

I don’t have much money, but I do want to invest in a long term relationship, and I am willing to pay. But, what I am saying is that I can’t afford an expensive proofreader. So, what I have been thinking about is to use three methods, well four, if I include this post.

I will:

  • Search services like elance.com and freelancer.com
  • Search Google
  • Use social media to ask my friends

I might actually know some people who can help me. But, I don’t know unless I ask. I know that there are a lot of proofreaders out there, but I am not just looking for an ordinary person. I am looking for a long term relationship.

The first project as my proofreader

I want to turn my short story, Fuzzy (30 pages), into a much better story. This is going to be a test to see how well we’ll be working together. I want her to read the story, correct the grammar, and do something to the story. I don’t believe that the story will become a bestseller, but it’s going to be interesting to see what we can do with it, if we just work together.

Like I said, this blog post is part of my plan to find a great proofreader, so if you know someone that can help, please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Writing

Comments

  1. Bill Dorman says:
    January 13, 2013 at 11:19 pm


    Twitter:
    Her? Hell, I would have proofread for a pizza…………

    Reply
  2. Josh says:
    January 14, 2013 at 7:53 am


    Twitter:
    Feed Dorman and you will always get good service.
    Josh invites you to read.. The First Time He LaughedMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  3. Lilla says:
    January 14, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I also use a proof reader for my blog, actually he is my father, who always takes the time to read my posts and correct them if necessary.
    Lilla invites you to read.. Fogbeültetés Budapesten a 3. kerületbenMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Dave says:
    January 14, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    I can do your proofreading.
    Please take a look at my poster page:
    http://freeproofreading.zohosites.com

    Reply
  5. Jayme Soulati says:
    January 14, 2013 at 3:13 pm


    Twitter:
    Hey, Jens; I had no idea you were so prolific!! This is wonderful news. I did see the “her” reference, and of course Dorman picked that right up! Heh.

    I am an editor and am currently writing a book for my uncle; he gave me raw notes and I am making something of it (with caution as I don’t want to take leeway until he says GO).

    I wonder if @JennWhinnem would be great for this. I’m going to ask her. Meanwhile, let me know your progress; I can always help you in a pinch. I also like @ShakirahDawud; however, she’s been long absent from social circles and I don’t know what she’s doing.
    Jayme Soulati invites you to read.. The Happy Friday Series: Everyone’s Happy!My Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  6. Kelli says:
    January 14, 2013 at 3:34 pm


    Twitter:
    Please contact me….

    Reply
  7. Mark says:
    January 14, 2013 at 4:35 pm


    Twitter:
    WARNING: If you feed the Dorman pizza, you’ll never get rid of him…
    Did you see his blog post today? It was like 5 words :o
    He’s gotten seriously lazy – HAHAHA!

    This is really exciting stuff, Jens! It will be interesting to see how the ‘Team Jens’ comes together.

    Cheers to you, sir!
    Mark invites you to read.. Effective Tribe Building Strategies for BloggersMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  8. CF Winn says:
    January 14, 2013 at 5:28 pm


    Twitter:
    I am an editor/proofreader for several authors and a tech company. My rates vary according to the project and amount of work necessary. I believe in leaving the writers voice intact, but am thorough and detailed in my work. You can reach me at cfwinn@readsuki.com . I will look at a writing sample first, so I can determine what I need to charge. If you need references, I will provide them.

    Reply
  9. Mel says:
    January 14, 2013 at 5:32 pm


    Twitter:
    Hello! I found this through Robert Caruso’s tweet :) Just wanted to say that I’d certainly be interested in your need for a proof writer. I’ve done it in the past for a friend here and there, but mostly I just enjoy good writing, and I don’t do as much of my own since college. Also, my mother was an English teacher at the high-school level. I’ve got more proper grammar than I can fit into a run-on sentence. lol.

    But seriously, email me if you like. I’m not looking for a second source of income, but I do just love collaboration and could use a side project to help ease the pain of the standard 9-5.

    Reply
  10. Jason Brow says:
    January 14, 2013 at 6:05 pm


    Twitter:
    I’d like to throw my hat in the ring, as well.

    Reply
  11. Carolyn says:
    January 14, 2013 at 11:12 pm


    Twitter:
    I am happy to help, but only if you buy Bill a pizza. ;-)
    Carolyn invites you to read.. Which iPad Should You Get?My Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  12. Anthony Hewson says:
    January 15, 2013 at 9:49 am


    Twitter:
    Hi there
    I’m a freelance copy editor and proofreader; I’ve worked on a number of fiction and non-fiction books in a copy editing capacity, and I also work with translation agencies to turn their translated copy into natural, persuasive English.
    You can read a little more about those services at http://www.ahcopy.co.uk/copy-editing.htm and http://www.ahcopy.co.uk/proofreading.htm.
    If you’d like to know more, or to discuss your budget and so forth, please feel free to get in touch.

    All the best
    Anthony

    Reply
  13. Khaja moin says:
    January 16, 2013 at 8:48 am


    Twitter:
    Recently I too realized the importance of proof reader. As I have other projects to handle I find little time to write and then to proof read it.
    Anyway I`ve no plans to hire, but thinking to take some extra time for it.
    Lets see how I can make it.

    ~@Khajamoin1
    Khaja moin invites you to read.. Online Vs Offline Networking: Take Your Blogging Business to Next LevelMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  14. Flora Napier says:
    January 16, 2013 at 11:49 am


    Twitter:
    Hi Jens,
    I’m an experience freelance proofreader based in the UK. I’ve mainly worked with fiction and non-fiction educational content. If you visit my website you’ll see I am currently offering reduced rates to unpublished writers. Contact me if you would like more details.
    Flora.

    Reply
  15. Kim Maiers says:
    January 18, 2013 at 5:48 am


    Twitter:
    How about giving a newbie in the virtual world a chance? I do have 27 years experience proofreading, and would love to help you with Fuzzy.

    Reply
  16. Adnan Ariffin says:
    January 18, 2013 at 11:17 am


    Twitter:
    Hi

    Its very interesting to hear of your concern about writing in English and needing a proof reader. Currently, I do quite a number of proofreading work esp for books, thesis reports etc. If you want I can assist you in your proof reading and it woont cost much as its in Malaysian Ringgit and affordable. For me reading is my passion and am glad to read your stories too.
    Do let me know if you need me contact me on Linkedin or email at adnari88@gmail.com

    Warmest regards,

    Adnan

    Reply
  17. Verbavolant says:
    January 18, 2013 at 4:18 pm


    Twitter:
    Dear Jens-Petter,
    I would be very pleased to help you with proofreading your short story. I’m an experienced proofreader. I’d be happy to provide references and samples of my previous work upon request.

    Holding a Master’s degree in English Literature, I have a great passion for the written word in all its forms – particularly short stories. Further, I share your vision of a continuous relationship between the author and his proofreader. My rates are negotiable. I would be delighted if you could contact me – I’m sure we can find a fair and good price for my services!

    In the meantime, you can check out my website for some of the other things I do!

    Sincerely,

    verbavolant

    Reply
  18. Nikki Villoria says:
    January 18, 2013 at 5:04 pm


    Twitter:
    Let me know if you are still looking for someone. I’ve got experience writing and editing both journalistic pieces and works of fiction.

    Reply

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