Clare Gathercole
Professional Member| Location | SpotFind Proofreading, Shrewsbury, Shropshire |
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| Phone/Mobile | Available on request |
| Website | spotfind.co.uk |
| Clare Gathercole |
I’m a professional proofreader and copy-editor with a background in archaeology. Since 2014 I've run SpotFind Proofreading, through which I provide a friendly, high quality freelance service to publishers, other businesses, and individuals.
I work with a wide range of documents and subjects. I have academic qualifications in archaeology, theology, and music, but am happy to work with subjects across the humanities and social sciences, as well as with physical and environmental science works aimed at the general reader.
Before becoming a proofreader and copy-editor, I was a professional archaeologist for more than 20 years. During those years I worked in field archaeology, on university research projects, and as an information manager and provider in local government historic environment information services. As well as abundant experience of working with technical archaeological and historic building reports, I therefore also offer a high degree of IT literacy and accuracy, as well as good customer service skills.
Having worked in the public sector, in a university, and in retail, I have a very broad base of experience on which to draw. You will always find me businesslike and sympathetic to your needs.
I welcome enquiries from anyone requiring proofreading services, no matter how large or small the job.
Services
The services I offer at present are:
- Proofreading (in PDF, using Adobe Acrobat Reader markup and BSI stamping)
- Proof-editing (in MS Word, using Track Changes)
- Copy-editing (in MS Word, using Track Changes)
I specialise in non-fiction and prefer to work on screen (though I can work on hard copy if required). I will also consider work requiring Adobe InDesign page layout.
Clients
My regular client base includes academic publishers (especially Taylor & Francis, for the Routledge imprint), publishing managers (Wearset), and journal editing agencies (Sunrise Setting).
I also work on an ad hoc basis for businesses, academic authors, postgraduate students, and other clients (notably, in 2018, a local HLF project, Wellington Remembers).
Training and qualifications
Recent training:
- Basic Editing (PTC, 2017)
- Mentoring in Proofreading (SfEP, 2015)
- Proofreading 2: Progress (SfEP, 2014)
- Basic Proofreading (PTC, 2013)
Academic qualifications:
- Diploma in Music
- MA Archaeological Practice
- BA Theology
Subjects
Specialisms: Archaeology, history, music, religion / theology
Other recent subjects: Buddhism, business management, child development, criminology, economics, education, energy markets, ethics, gender studies, human resource management, marketing, politics, philosophy, photography, psychology, sociology, sustainable development, transportation
Testimonials
All my editors at Wearset were solid professionals but you were the best I had so far. You were one of rare editors who caught repetitious or contradictory statements ... I’m very grateful for the excellent work you have done on my behalf.
Dr Milan N Vego, Professor of Operational Art at the Naval War College, Rhode Island, USA
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this, you did a truly excellent job on what turned out to be a rather mammoth task!
Olivia Hatt, Production Editor, Taylor & Francis
I would like to thank Clare Gathercole for her detailed proofread. Her valuable comments and explanations have helped to improve the presentation of this work. I could not ask for more.
Choy Fah Kong (BA MA PhD London SOAS), independent academic and author
It was an excellent proofread – very thorough, sensible queries and with great thought as to how to minimise the knock-on effects of changes. I’ll be recommending you to my colleagues!
Emma Håkonsen, Production Editor, Taylor & Francis