I’m a quality assurance proofreader and line editor from the UK. I look at the content, language, and presentation of written materials.

My work is about checking that documents match my clients’ intentions for them. It often involves:

• style guides
• brand guidelines
• master templates
• regulations 

I can also edit writing to make it clearer and more accessible to readers.

Quality assurance

I spent 10+ years in-house as a quality assurance proofreader of confidential documents used by decision-makers. In that time, I adapted to changes in rules, format requirements, and work processes.

My duties included:

• cross-checking sections
• checking the completeness of information
• looking for non-compliant wording
• checking details against other sources
• giving feedback

Recently, I’ve worked on product data feeds, corporate website biographies, and model exam papers. 

Helping clients get it right is very satisfying. I love to hear about new projects.

Multi-author documents

I enjoy smoothing over the seams and rough patches in multi-author texts. This usually involves looking for:

• variations in spelling and tense
• uneven clusters of words
• contradictions in content
• errors caused by a complex production history
• deviations from the company’s brand or style 

When one person has combined their own writing with AI output, I can treat the text as if it were a multi-author document.

AI-assisted texts

I can read text closely to check that it makes sense and is internally consistent. I can also edit paragraphs and sentences to give AI-assisted writing a plainer voice and more varied style.

I have experience with adjusting the emotional tone of AI-assisted translations. For example, if a translated text sounds more formal than intended, I can edit the wording.

Matching the emotional feel of a text to a client’s intentions can be quite a subjective exercise. I’m always keen to understand what the client wants and to have a chat about what the text needs.

Training and freelance experience

I trained in copyediting with UC San Diego and in proofreading with the Publishing Training Centre.

I began freelancing in 2022, focusing on texts used in workplaces, education, and cultural settings. I’ve worked in British and American English on a broad range of texts, including:

• blog posts and web copy
• product data feeds
• management training courses
• annual and project reports
• newsletters 
• academic articles
• speeches and other personal documents

It’s been my privilege to support writers from many different walks of life.

I enjoy learning about new types of documents. If you’d like support for something that isn’t mentioned on this website, I’d be happy to discuss it. I have particular experience in supporting teams that produce specialist documents to serve ongoing needs.

Contact me

Please email tideandcanute AT gmail dot com.

My replies will come from my primary business email address, which I don’t publish on the open internet.