Specializing in

Small Business Web Content

Indie Historical Fiction Manuscripts

Nonfiction Manuscripts

                                                                                                                                                          

Darlene Elizabeth Williams
Copyeditor & Proofreader

Web Content Copyediting and Proofreading

We all surf the Internet in search of products and services, and invariably come across web content rife with misspellings, grammatical errors and incomprehensible wording.

What does that indicate to the potential customer?  A vendor who, perhaps, lacks knowledge about their product or services, has less than rigorous standards, and is unprofessional.

What is the prospect likely to do?  Move on to another search result and purchase the product or service from a different supplier.

Intense competition is a reality in the business world.  A poor first impression equals a forfeited opportunity.  Small businesses cannot afford lost prospects.

Darlene is an experienced freelance writer, copyeditor and proofreader.  She has written, edited, and proofread thousands of pages of web content.

A sample of client responses received by Darlene:

“The work exceeded my expectations and did not require any changes. Highly recommended.”

"Creative genius!"

"1st class service."

Darlene will ensure your web content is engaging, professional, informative and error-free.

Please see below for description of copyediting and proofreading services.

Historical Fiction & Nonfiction Manuscript Copyediting and Proofreading

Darlene’s passion for historical fiction and nonfiction is demonstrated by her 40 years of commitment to reading exclusively historical fiction, and as owner of the popular Darlene Elizabeth Williams HF Review blog, which garnered more than 200,000 page views within 6 months of conception.

Darlene is a member of the Historical Novel Society and adheres to the HNS Review Guidelines.  Her goal, as copyeditor and proofreader, is to apply her practical and technical expertise to work with authors to create a polished, quality-written manuscript ready for submission guidelines, self-publication, awards, contests, and book reviews.

Darlene supports Indie and small-press authors.  It is her belief Indie authors must present work comparable to traditionally published novels.  A copyedited and proofread manuscript is the means to accomplish this objective. 

Many authors assert they are best qualified to copyedit and proofread their work, as they are most familiar with it.  In fact, this is the reason the author is least qualified.  Writers often fail to catch basic typographical errors, misused words, missing text, inaccurate punctuation, and awkward sentences because they are too close to their manuscript.

A third party assessment of the manuscript is essential for a clear view of these aspects.  That involves a copyeditor or proofreader reading a manuscript letter by letter, seeking and correcting these common oversights. 

There are imperfections in traditionally published novels, but the reader typically blames the publisher.  The onus for the same transgressions by Indie authors falls squarely on the author’s shoulders.  Readers will not boycott the publisher, but they will blacklist the author.

Testimonials:

“…commend you on the professional presentation of your work. The fact I live on the other side of the world to you, made not the slightest difference.  I will be happy to recommend your services to other writers.”

Margaret Muir, Author

Margaret Muir's Amazon Author's Page

Please see below for description of copyediting and proofreading services.

  

Copyediting & Proofreading Services

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Typographical errors
• Verb tense
• Phrase structure
• Sentence structure
• Repetitive words
• Excess wordiness
• Fact checking
• Consistent font
• Proper formatting
• Comment queries or suggestions regarding content

Clients receive both a “marked-up” copy and final copy of their work.

Darlene works with PDF, Microsoft and print documents.  She uses the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, and the Chicago Manual of Style (unless another specific style is requested) as reference materials.

Please note:   Copyediting services do not include substantive editing.

Rates

Each project is unique.  Rates are dependent upon the complexity of the material and extent of services requested.  Please contact Darlene at indieproofservices@gmail.com or call 1-250-863-9042 for a consultation and pricing package.  Skype conference calls can also be arranged.

About Darlene Elizabeth Williams

Darlene mentors upcoming freelance writers based on an exclusive program developed through her experiences as a freelance writer.  The program is the subject of her nonfiction book, "Virtual Freelance Writer ~ Real Income", set for publication in 2013.

Darlene is also a historical fiction author. She is in the research stage of a trilogy based on the life of Harriet Jacobs, a 19^th Century North Carolina slave.