Frequently asked questions

• Why can't I just leave it up to my computer's spell checker?
• Can't I edit it myself?
• Is my privacy protected?
• What information is required for a quote?

Why can't I just leave it up to my computer's spell checker?

Spell and grammar checking software do help, but they have limitations. They do not understand such things as style, or dialogue used for effect. If it doesn't fit into the confines of the program's rules then it will see it as an error. In regards to spelling, if the wrong word is used but is spelt correctly then the program will not pick up the error. A thinking brain is needed to pick up all possible errors.

Can't I edit it myself?

Editing your own work is one of the hardest things to do. When someone writes something, and probably rewrites it many times, the brain fills in what should be written instead of noticing what is actually in print. Some writers put the document away for a few weeks and then edit it with 'fresh eyes'. But what if the document is needed now? You don't have weeks to wait hoping you'll forget enough of the content to be objective.

Language constantly revolves. It may be in the way we express ourselves, with words being created, or altering their use. If it was possible to ask someone from the seventeenth century 'what does "cowabunga" mean, they would have no idea you're referring to Mutant Ninja Turtles. Words once in existence may have been replaced with something else representing an era or fad.

The spelling of a word can also change. For instance, copywriter used to be a hyphenated word (copy-writer), but now is represented as one word. Don't forget what is considered right for one country may not be right for another. Britain's spelling for 'colour' differs to American's 'color'. While this example is well known, there are many others less familiar that can cause people to become frustrated.

Is my privacy protected?

We do not store any of your details on this web site. Your details are kept only for our business purposes. Completed work will be stored on disk for a period of four months as a backup service for our clients. However, we cannot guarantee this; therefore, clients are encouraged to keep a copy.

No document pertaining to a customer will be shared in any form with any outside source without written permission.

What information is required for a quote?

The required information we need to supply you with a firm quote follows:

• Customer's name, address and contact details including telephone numbers and email address
• Total word count
• Service required (for example, proofreading)
• Description of submitted work (for example, short story, adult fiction)
• How you would like your work returned
• Payment method such as cheque sent to our postal address
• Any additional information you feel may be benefical