Hey, I’m Lorraine

And I’m wired this way.

I’m an independent report proofreader based in Newquay, Cornwall. And nope, I don’t surf. (Blame roller derby for my dislocating shoulders.)

I’m like that kid in the Sixth Sense, but instead of seeing Bruce Willis – or plot twists – I see detail.

It’s not just detail in text, either. It’s in design, in processes, in software testing. Even in speech…

FUN-etics

My degree in speech and language science introduced me to phonetics.

You know those pronunciations beneath each word in the dictionary? Those phonetic transcriptions use an alphabet of symbols that represent each individual speech sound. I can read and write that stuff.

Although… /ɪts nɒt biːn ðæt ˈjuːsfʊl bʌt ɪt dʌz lʊk swɪʃ/

Detail and diligence sitting in a tree

Alongside proofreading, I’ve tested software web apps and ecommerce sites, streamlined processes across university departments, organised scientific conferences and exhibitions, and run the studios of two marketing agencies.

But I needed more. More structure. More focus. More of my kinda thrill. I need to be full proof.

Serious fun

You’re not just working with someone who can spot a 3mm mould mite on a bookshelf from 2 feet away. (Damp flat. Dark times. Don’t ask.)

I’ve been proofreading for over 20 years. I trained with The Publishing Training Centre in 2008 and completed a bunch of ridiculously enjoyable yet not-so-dazzlingly titled CPD courses through the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

Marketing teams, content writers, researchers and project managers trust me to proofread corporate reports scientific reviews on behalf of big-name clients and vital research centres.

Them’s the rules

I love to play with the rules of language – I bet you do too. It’s why I proofread for your reader, not the rules. I understand the care, creativity and cost poured into the project, so I won’t get all grammar hammer on your work.

It’s words. So I write, right?

Nope, I don’t dabble in copyediting or copywriting. I do one thing and I do it well: proofreading.

I’m into intense focus, you see. I can zone in on the details for hours.

If that’s not your thing? I’m here for you!

 
 
Lorraine Williams, freelance B2B proofreader at Lighthouse Proofreading, beaming a big smile and wearing a snazzy striped purple jumper.