What I do

Copyediting | proofreading

Copyediting

People often think that proofreading means the correction of text to publishable or printable standards, but this process is actually called copyediting.

In the traditional publishing process, proofreading comes last, just before printing, to catch any last-minute errors and layout issues.

Copyediting is more invasive than proofreading, and tackles:

Structure and repetition
Sense, clarity and accuracy
Punctuation, grammar and capitalisation
Style and consistency.

Outside the traditional publishing context, however, the difference between proofreading and copyediting is rather one of level of intervention in the text.

For non-publisher clients, what copyeditors offer is in fact a mix of both – a 'proofedit', combining the copyediting and proofreading into one.

My copyediting services are flexible and tailored to meet your requirements – you can choose the level of intervention you need.

I edit in both UK and US English.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the last step in the traditional publishing process, designed to catch any final errors, typos, inconsistencies and formatting issues.

Outside the traditional publishing context, however, the difference between proofreading and copyediting is rather one of level of intervention in the text.

Even if your text is in good shape, there are three reasons why a professional pair of eyes is needed:

Familiarity with a text builds blindness to errors
Last-minute changes open the door to errors creeping in
No one can be expected to be an expert in style and usage.

If your text is in very good condition and only needs a light check, then this is the service for you.

I proofread in both UK and US English.

French to English

Copyediting translated material is a niche area in editing. It requires fluency in the source language as well as native knowledge of the target language.

Having spent the first nine years of my life in France, and with French parentage, I have an instinctive understanding of French.

There are two levels of copyediting for translated material:

Blind – where knowledge of the source language comes in when something doesn't read fluently or a term isn't well translated
Against the source material – which involves checking every line and making necessary corrections.

The service you need will depend on whether the translation requires close attention or just checking by a professional in the target language.

Testimonials

Nokia

'Our partnership with Myriam goes back years. She works on our speeches, results, reports, presentations and articles, many of which are highly technical. She works to an exceptionally high standard, often with tight deadlines and texts that are changing until the last minute. She has been a lifesaver.'

CEO Communications team

Amadeus IT Group

'We’ve relied on Myriam’s copyediting work since our Amadeus Global Report 2014. She’s a great professional and she perfectly understands our need for flexibility and adaptability to changes. Her attention to detail and expertise are not easy to find nowadays!'

Sustainability Project Manager

Bloomsbury Sigma

'Myriam has now copyedited three books for us, and is due to start a fourth. She has been excellent to work with – very thorough and efficient. She is flexible and always delivers on time and to brief.'

Commissioning Editor

Bloomsbury Wildlife

'Myriam has worked on a number of titles for Bloomsbury Wildlife and has consistently impressed me with her knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail, along with her excellent communication skills and ability to meet deadlines. She is very reliable and conscientious and I would highly recommend her for editing work.'

Editor, Bloomsbury Wildlife

Cocota Studio

'Myriam is a trustworthy collaborator. Not only is she a great professional – able to edit complex texts, apply the required tone to corporate messages and come up with creative copy – but she is extremely organised and always delivers on time. We have worked with her on a variety of projects, from travel tech companies to the website of our own creative agency, and the result has always been fabulous.'

Managing Director

Éditions Skira

'Myriam has collaborated with Skira for the copyediting and proofreading of English texts for several art books and exhibition catalogues over the past few years. Her work is rigorous, with great attention to detail. Myriam’s comments and suggestions are very pertinent and show an understanding of the subject matter. She is always very responsive and reliable, making it a pleasure to work with her.'

Editorial Director

Éditions Addictive (Multimedia Press)

'It is very pleasant and reassuring to work with Myriam Birch. She is a reliable and conscientious person. Every job is handed in on time. She produces high-quality work and is always ready to help or improve the quality of our texts. We are very satisfied with her work.'