Alex James

About Alex James

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Alex James is a qualified freelance copy-editor and proofreader specialising in sci-fi/fantasy, based in Leeds. I help both new and experienced writers craft stories into reader-friendly books. When copy-editing I will make sure your work is accurate, suitable for the intended audience, and ultimately ready for publication. When proofreading, I can provide a quality final-check for any discrepancies in spelling, punctuation, and grammar. I’m an attentive and understanding freelance. I give every project the time and dedication it deserves and make sure I follow any agreed requirements. You can expect thoughtful suggestions, reliable communication, and flexible rates. Please contact me and tell me about your story.

I have experience working on fantasy novels and short stories. As a sci-fi/fantasy writer and prolific book reviewer, I have knowledge of what makes a good story in these genres and I understand the challenges writers face in preparing a book for publishing or submission. Qualifications include Basic Proofreading, Proofreading Progress, and Introduction to Copy Editing; and were provided by the Publishing Training Centre and the Society for Editors and Proofreaders.

As a qualified proofreader, I can help you correct your spelling, punctuation, grammar, and use of language. I am able check for sense and consistency, and my aim is to show good judgement when intervening to maintain the author’s style. Alongside carrying out proofreading tasks, as a qualified copy-editor I will help make your project fit for purpose and suitable for the intended audience, while maintaining author voice and style. I will check your sentences for ambiguity, clarity, flow, repetition, and unnecessary words; and if required I can suggest minor improvements.

I will make sure your project is consistent and makes sense, using a style sheet and a checklist. I am able to check capitalisation, hyphenation, spelling, style, abbreviations, time and date, as well as punctuation and grammar. Design elements I am able to check include: page numbers, running headlines, headings, tables, illustrations, captions, references, cross-references, widows and orphans, and footnotes.

Since I am proficient with MS Word’s Track Changes feature, your edited/proofread work will be delivered to you in a Microsoft Word document in three versions: one version with Track Changes on so you can see where I have made my changes and comments, one version where only my comments are visible for your attention, and a final ‘clean’ version with no changes or comments visible. If your changes need to be marked in another method, please let me know when you contact.