copy editor
proofreader
copywriter
Making your words work
I’m a qualified proofreader and copy editor, and an Intermediate Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
How can I help you?
The more you look at something, the less you see. A fresh and professional pair of eyes will spot the errors and disjointed sentences that trip the reader.
I like nothing better than facing a jumble of words and a mountain of typos and turning them into a piece of clear and polished writing. I don’t judge, and I understand that words are not everyone’s best subject (I’m rubbish at numbers). I want to work with you to help you get your words in order.
I can help you get the results you want, by getting the right message to your target audience.
It was great to have Tessa’s input on the manuscript I was working on. Her assessment of the document was thorough and the style guides she provided were very useful. She articulates her position well, to help clarify options and support the decision-making process. I never doubted that she wanted to support the finished article to the highest standard possible. By providing the perfect balance between professional and informal, she made the copy-editing process go smoothly.
Richard Messenger, Director, Hippo Books
Services
I specialise in copy editing and proofreading. I mostly work on fiction and creative non-fiction such as memoirs and travel writing.
You’ll get friendly and constructive feedback on how to make your words work for you.
But which service is right for you?
Copy editing
As a copy editor I’ll check grammar, word usage, spelling, punctuation and other mechanics of style – all those minor distractions that can pull the reader out of the story. I’ll also look at consistency of style, and factual consistency and accuracy.
Proofreading
As a proofreader I’ll correct minor mechanical errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar. This is the final stage in the process, when last checks are made for any errors that may have been missed, and formatted, edited material is checked for adherence to design.
What’s the process?
I generally ask new clients for about 1,000 words so I can do a free sample edit. This will tell us both what to expect. You’ll see how I work, and I’ll be able to assess how long it will take and give you a quote.
How much does it cost?
My rates for copy editing and proofreading depend on the scope of work and complexity of the material. We’ll agree either a fixed fee, or a minimum and maximum, before I start.
My fees are in line with industry standards. See the CIEP suggested minimum rates.
Tessa is a competent, reliable administrative professional highly skilled in editing, proofreading and writing. In the time she worked in our media relations team she produced a daily news digest of stories related to the organization promptly and accurately. Her calm and supportive manner was a great asset to our team that manages sensitive and unpredictable issues in a large university.
Pearlie Davison, Media Relations, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
About me
I’m Tessa, a qualified copy editor and proofreader specialising in fiction and creative non-fiction. I’m an Intermediate Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. I’m also, to a lesser extent, a copywriter.
In 2019 I returned to the UK from Vancouver, where I’d completed the Editing Certificate at Simon Fraser University. This included all aspects of editing, and modules on design, writing web content and for business, and plain language.
I most recently worked in media relations at the University of British Columbia. I’ve worked in publishing and bookselling and, as a freelance editor and writer, I’ve worked on non-fiction, fiction, websites and marketing.
I’m a native English speaker and familiar with the differences between Canadian/US English and British English. My areas of experience and interest include health and wellbeing, yoga, acupuncture, psychology, nutrition, food and cookery, sustainability and the environment, horses, arts and crafts, and cheesecloth. (You’d be surprised how much there is to say about cheesecloth.)
Tessa is great at what she does. She has got super sharp eyes and picks out typos and grammar mistakes right away. She is prompt, reliable, efficient and very easy to work and get along with. You can tell that she enjoys doing what she does. No job is too small or simple for her. Over the many years that she has helped me with my acupuncture practice, she has come to the rescue with website content, newsletters, and all sorts of other editing jobs. Thank you for all your help.
Armin Madani-Nejad, Essence Acupuncture & Wellness, Vancouver
Contact
Tell me about your project and we’ll determine what you need, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. If necessary, we can have a free, 20-minute call to discuss your project.
In the box below, please let me know the services you require, your project details (including word count), and your deadline.
Anyone who knows Tessa realises they are before a book lover. She’s always reading, and her love of the written word becomes crystal-clear when she uses her copy-editing skills. When she edits, her comments and suggestions bring insight and accuracy as she has an incredible command of the English language. I highly recommend Tessa.
Carmy Stubbs, Writer