From basic error correction, to full copy-editing, I can help you raise your work to the most professional standard. If you feel unsure about the use of commas, semi-colons, clauses, or capital letters, want your syntax to be more concise and elegant, or just need to make sure no mistakes have crept in to your writing, I am here to assist.
There is nothing worse for a reader than to come across typos, clunky sentences, bad grammar, inconsistencies, and poorly structured arguments. It creates the impression that the author doesn’t fully understand what they are writing, is unable to express their thoughts properly, is poorly equipped in the use of the English language, or is just lazy and careless. The converse is equally true. Reading a text that has been carefully proofread and edited makes the author stand out from all the others. Editing strengthens a writer’s points, makes them clear, correct, and consistent. Editing shows respect for the reader. Good editing makes the finished piece a pleasure to read rather than a burden.
What often happens is the writer becomes ‘text blind’ or is too close to the work and the expression of her/his thoughts to spot the errors; the errors that ‘another eye’ will pick up on.
If your future career, promotion, opportunity for publishing that manuscript, or your business depends upon it, then it is always advisable to let someone else cast another eye over it before submission or publication.
I’ve had an interest in writing from I was very young. I still have an exercise book in my attic that contains poetry written when I was 8-years old! In later life, writing numerous essays while studying for my BA Hons with the Open University, my skills in writing, proofing, and editing became finely honed. Writing my doctoral thesis at the Queen’s University, Belfast further developed my capacity to present written work to the highest standard.
As a published author, screenwriter, professional playwright, and regular commentator in the printed media it means I’m always working with language and how best to present my views on a page.
What you will get from me is a professional, one-on-one service; your work will not be passed onto an assistant.
Costs
In terms of costs it will depend on what you require and we will discuss it so that as far as is reasonably possible you can stay within your budget whilst still getting a professional service.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Zoë O'Reilly; researcher and visual ethnographer
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Testimonials
"I am not a native English speaker and the process of submitting my PhD almost killed me! At the end, my thesis would have never seen the light without Laurence's help. In him I not only found a proof-reader, but a mentor whose stylistic and literary advice helped me to learn from my mistakes. I often sent him my chapters in a state of total panic; I always got them back, in their greatest form, in a matter of two days. The excellence of the proofing of my thesis was praised during my Viva. Therefore I would recommend Laurence's help to anyone. Grazie ! "
Dr Giada Lagana, NUI Galway, Ireland, who submitted her doctoral thesis November 2017.
"The thesis is very readable, clearly structured, and well written. We commend the candidate on her excellent standard of proofing."
Dr Kathy Hayward, Queen's University, Belfast (External examiner for the thesis)
Dr Brendan Flynn, National University of Ireland Galway (Internal Examiner for the thesis)