Want your writing to shine?
Every piece of writing needs a proofreader, no matter where you’re publishing it. Whether it's online, for class, or at work, poor writing stands out—but not in a good way. Grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors make a bad impression. If you want to avoid the facepalm, hire me, the proofing professor. I can help!
AI can help catch errors but won’t necessarily catch them all. Also, over-using AI means we lose the chance to hear your original voice. You stop sounding like yourself, your brand, your authentic YOU! Let me help your words reflect the best you on the page.
The Proofing Prof adds the perfect polish!
Services
General Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage of any document. That means the writer has gone through prewriting and drafting and revision (as many times as needed) before handing the document off to be proofread. Proofreading is the last chance to look for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. As a proofreader, I look for those errors as well as typos, doubled words (such as the the), and formatting problems. I mark these for the writer and hand the document back.
Writers always have the final say about their own work. It’s their work after all. They can accept all of my suggestions, some, or none. I most often work in MS Word using Track Changes or in Google Docs but am open to other options as needed.
See below for an example of general proofreading.
Academic Proofreading
Writing
First, let's get the obvious off the table.
No, I won't write your school papers or homework for you.
I can help with copywriting, newsletters, cover letters, blurbs, descriptions as well as
short grant proposals and other business writing just to name some possibilities.
Academic proofreading is typically for upper-level college and graduate-level work, including master’s theses, doctoral dissertations, journal articles, etc. I do the same general proofreading, but I also check for citations and style guideline formatting as well as plagiarism issues. I am most proficient in APA, CMOS, and MLA but can work with you on other style guidelines as needed.
CAUTION STUDENTS: Check with your school, department, and/or advisor in advance to be sure it's okay to hire an outside proofreader for your work. Do this before you hand your work in.
See below for an example of academic proofreading.
Examples of Proofreading
Click here to see an example of general proofreading:
Click here to see an example of academic proofreading:
Jocelyn B.
On helping with a college application essay:
"Dr. Kolker coached me through making my writing more specific and less abstract. Her help was invaluable!"
Jennifer R.
On helping with a legal form:
"I found Amy to be very responsive and helpful with a legal filing I had to do. She was prompt and put me at ease."
Alex K.
On helping with a short story:
"Amy not only found a bunch of embarrassing typos, but she also pointed out a few continuity errors in the narration. She provided a full and attentive service."
About Me
My name is Amy Kolker
I am a retired college English professor and a life-long lover of writing. I taught at Eastern Illinois University and the University of Kansas while I was a graduate student. After earning a master’s degree and then a Ph.D. in English, I taught writing for twenty years at Black Hawk College in the Quad Cities. While I’m not teaching students anymore, I haven’t lost my love for the written word. Now I'm offering my services as a proofreader. You can trust my experience and expertise to give your written work the final polish it deserves.
