Clear Edit proofreading and editing services

Why use Clear Edit? 

• Our clients endorse us: since 2006 we've edited for a loyal client base of government departments, public service organisations, businesses, and academics, who recommend us to others. Read what our clients say about us.
• We're qualified: Sylvia holds a Diploma in Proofreading and Editing and Matthew has a Bachelor's degree in Communications - read more about us here.
• We're experienced: our 25 years of combined experience in communications, media, and publishing means we understand your work in its wider context.
• We tailor our service to you: we work to your style guide or specifications.
• We understand international English language differences: having lived and worked in the United States and New Zealand, we have a keen understanding of the differences between British, American, and New Zealand English. We can tailor your document to your audience and ensure consistency.
• We always deliver on or ahead of your deadlines.
• We bring an eye for fine detail to our editing work.
• We provide comprehensive, constructive, courteous feedback.
• We value and prioritise professional, prompt, clear, complete, and friendly communication with our clients.
• We provide professional and efficient service.
• Our rates are fair and competitive - contact us for an estimate.

What services do you provide? 

We provide the following services:

• Proofreading - correcting basic errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation)
• Copy editing - correcting copy to improve language and conform to style
• Formatting - applying styles to improve the appearance of a document
• Substantive editing - modifying the overall structure and content to improve readability

What formats can you edit? 

We edit and proofread any text written in English, and te reo Māori passages in the context of English. The most common formats we work with are:

• Microsoft Word - we make corrections using the 'Comments' and 'Track Changes' functions, allowing you to see every change and choose to accept or reject each correction.
• PDF - we make corrections using Adobe Acrobat's 'Comment & Markup' features.
• Websites - we can make amendments directly into your content management system, or web pages can be converted to Word or PDF files for electronic comments.
• We can also edit in Google docs.

If you have a question about editing other formats, please enquire.

I'm not in New Zealand. Can you still work on my document? 

Absolutely - as long as it is written in English. For clients outside of New Zealand there is a time advantage to using our services. Because our time zone is 12 hours ahead of GMT, we can work on your project while you sleep, so your work is ready for you in the morning.

Clients outside of New Zealand find it quick and easy to pay through our website using PayPal, but if you would like to make alternative arrangements please let us know in advance.

How does the process work? 

We will work to suit you - just tell us what you want checked, and what your deadline is.

If you're not sure what level of service you need, send us a sample of your work or call and we can discuss it.

Once we've completed the document to your specifications, we will return it to you with suggestions for improvements.

When the document is completed to your satisfaction, we send the invoice.

How should I submit my document? 

Please email it to us .

How soon can I get my document returned? 

As a guide, we can usually copy edit around 1,250 words per hour, or a 7,000 word document in a work day. But please check with us about turnaround times and an estimate for your particular project, because the actual time depends on:

• how long the document is
• what service you require
• how many changes are needed
• when you want the work done
• what other bookings we have.

Just contact us with the details of your project (at no obligation), and we'll take it from there.

How much will it cost? 

The cost of a job depends on what's required and the number of changes needed. Please contact us for an estimate and provide a sample of your document. We will respond within 24 hours at the most, usually much earlier.

Once we have begun work on your document, we will tell you as soon as possible if we believe the price will exceed 25% of the estimate. If you require a fixed quote, please provide us with the finished document. If you are still working on the document we will give you an estimate and can update this to a quote when you submit the document for editing.

If you're paying by PayPal then we add a maximum 5% fee to your invoice, as Paypal charges us fees for providing credit card services. There's no charge for paying by bank transfer (for example, through the internet).

Is your service guaranteed? 

Yes. Our personal satisfaction and the success of our business relies on having contented customers. Please let us know if you have any concerns and we will address them immediately. For more information, see our Terms & Conditions.

How should I pay? 

We'll send you an invoice on completion of the work (usually by email, but let us know if you'd prefer it to be mailed).

Clients within New Zealand can pay by direct deposit, cheque, or cash.

You can also pay by PayPal through our website using a credit card. We add a maximum of 5% to the invoice for credit card payments, as that's what PayPal charges us to use their service.

Please pay within 30 days of the invoice date.

What is 'plain English'? 

Briefly, plain English refers to:

• writing that is concise, easy to understand, and avoids unnecessary jargon
• layout that is easy to read

Many governments and corporations throughout the world now insist that their documents conform to plain English standards.

For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plain_English

Other questions? 

Just email or call Sylvia on 027 426 7803.