FAQs

  • What should be proofread?

    Absolutely everything; even if a professional doesn't do it.

    Anything that is read by the public should be checked by someone. Most of us don't identify errors easily, however to the trained eye these errors are picked up before the document is circulated. Embarrassing errors can often slip through and make your documents look unprofessional, which in turn can cost you future clients and tarnish the reputation of you and your business.

  • I use spell checker, isn't that sufficient?

    Spell checker does not detect when words are spelt correctly but used in the wrong context; as an example, weather or whether, form or from. Using the wrong word can have a devastating effect on the purpose of your document as well as your business and reputation.

  • What is the difference between proofreading and copyediting?

    Proofreading involves the correction of spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and layout inconsistencies, sentence structure and basic paragraph structure.

    Copyediting is more pro-active than proofreading. It involves more extensive analysis of grammar, wording, paragraph and sentence structure, and also examines the continuity and flow of the subject matter.


    Most documents need both copyediting and proofreading. MSA Professional Services will proofread your work and copyedit as well if required - all for the same fee.

  • Do you research facts or add in facts?

    No. MSA Professional Services is a professional editing and proofreading business - we do not research or edit factual detail, add in facts or re-write documents.

  • Do you edit English essays gaining an assessment for an English class?

    No, quite simply because your essay should be your work and your work only.

  • Is there a maximum or minimum number of words that you accept?

    No. No job is too big or too small. For the small documents we will agree on a reduced cost; for the larger documents we will agree on a realistic timeframe for completion of the task.

  • Do you accept documents from outside of Australia?

    Yes, but we correct in Australian English, unless specified. Websites produced by non-English speaking persons from overseas generally need basic grammar and spelling checked, and exceptions can be made here if required. However, in most cases we ensure that our corrections adhere to the Australian English standard.

  • What standards do you use?

    When we correct your documents we refer to the Australian Macquarie Dictionary and, if necessary, the latest edition of the Style Manual for Authors and Editors. This ensures that your document is corrected in Australian English, in accordance with the publication procedures that are accepted within Australia today.

  • How do I obtain a quote?

    Click on Contact and complete the relevant details. Once I receive your enquiry I will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours with a quote, or to obtain further information if required.

  • How and when do I pay?

    An invoice will be forwarded with your final proofread document. We accept cheques, money orders or direct transfers from your bank account to ours. Our mailing address and bank account details will be on the invoice.

  • Can I get a receipt?

    Once payment has been received we will e-mail a receipt to you.

  • Do you charge GST?

    No. We do not need to be registered for GST.

  • Are the details of my document kept private?

    Absolutely. All work sent to us remains totally confidential.

  • What is your Privacy Policy?

    As a professional organisation, MSA Professional Services respects privileged information that is provided to us. We take confidentiality very seriously and understand the importance when intellectual property, business data or personal writing is placed in our hands. MSA Professional Services treats this trust with the respect it deserves, because our business - and ultimately our success - depends on it!

    We will not disclose to any third party the content of any material submitted by our clients.

    We may disclose information to service providers (eg payment services) who act on our behalf, or if we are compelled to by law.

    Please note the following:

    • We delete completed jobs one month after completion of the work and receipt of payment.
    • All files are scanned for computer viruses. We use a reputable virus protection system, and update this program on a regular basis.
    • We will never sell our contact list.
 
 
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