When writing texts that are intended for a larger audience or a small but important target group, it's often a good idea to get a professional proofreader to help you with the final proofreading. If you've worked long and hard on your text, it's a shame if it's not well received due to linguistic errors that undermine your credibility.
At GlobalDenmark we help with proofreading in both Danish and English. We correct grammar and spelling mistakes, put commas in the right places, and check that headings, tables and figures are consistent.
You might think that if you proofread the text yourself, you'll be fine. But often the external proofreader sees the very errors that you don't notice because you are so deep in the text and focused on the content. Such errors may seem insignificant, but the brutal reality is that they often disturb the reader, who is left with a bad impression. That's why a professional proofreading can be well worth the effort.
Proofreading or editing?
When our customers contact us for help with a text, they often ask forproofreading. However, sometimes what our customers are actually asking for is an edit of theit text.
So what's the difference between proofreading and editing? At GlobalDenmark, proofreading includes correcting grammar, punctuation and spelling errors and checking for consistency in headings, tables, figures and the table of contents.
When we edit, we take a more in-depth look at the text. In addition to the things covered in proofreading, we point out ambiguities in the text and check its overall coherence – so that it is clear and has a common thread. We ensure that you are consistent in your use of technical terms and that paragraphs and sentences are logically connected and have a clear focus. And we make sure that the text is generally easy to read. For example, by breaking up long sentences, deleting unnecessary words and repetitions or rephrasing sentences.
Readability is crucial to how the reader perceives your text and whether you get your message across. Editing ensures that your reader will easily be able to understand your points without having to fight through unclear language.
Generally speaking, proofreading focuses on language errors (grammar, spelling and punctuation), while editing also includes a focus on content, structure and argumentation. The goal of editing is readability and clear, fluent language.
We can help you decide whether your text needs proofreading or editing based on the purpose of the text, your timeframe and budget.
English proofreading and editing
If you're writing in English but your are a native speaker of Danish or another language, then there's even more reason to get help with proofreading or editing. Even if you're good at English, there are plenty of linguistic pitfalls you might fall into, and it can be difficult to get the phrasing right in a foreign language.
At GlobalDenmark, we offer English proofreading and editing by experienced English-speaking proofreaders.
We can help with most types of technical texts, and we have particular experience in proofreading and editing scientific articles and PhD theses - in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. So if you're about to submit an English-language manuscript to a journal, we can help give it a boost and increase your chances of getting it accepted.
Write or call our translation agency in Copenhagen to discuss your need for English proofreading of an article, thesis, report or other document.
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