Proofreading

[davidlilley1978]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone can help me. As an enthusiastic learner of Finnish I've been a member here for a while but I don't think I've posted before.

In many European universities these days students are required to write their essays, dissertations and theses in English. I am a professional proofreader and I specialise in proofreading and correcting/improving the English of academic texts, mostly in the arts and humanities. So far most of the dissertations and theses I have proofread have been written by non-UK students at UK universities and by students at German universities.

I believe that students at Finnish universities also often have to write in English. I was wondering if somebody could tell me whether they believe there would be any call for a native English speaker to proofread the English-language work of Finnish students and academics. If so, do you have any suggestions regarding how and where I could advertise myself?

Many thanks

[davidlilley1978]

Thanks for that! That's interesting and helpful.

I'm a qualified translator and I've got a PhD in linguistics, plus experience as an academic proofreader, so I hope most people would consider me to be suitably qualfied.

I live in the UK so putting ads on univerisity noticeboards isn't really an option. Does anyone know of any websites I could advertise on?

Thanks!

[Rosamunda]

You could try contacting the Language Centre at the University:

http://www.helsinki.fi/kksc/english/

I believe they have a test for proofreaders, presumably if you pass the test you can be added to some kind of list of "approved" proofreaders.

I guess you charge in £ sterling, so the currency fluctuations will affect your rates. And then there are VAT issues, not sure how that works with cross-border sales.

Anyway, I think there is probably some demand but I'm not sure students would feel too confident about using a service based outside Finland.

[Kettu77]

Hi David,

your post is relatively old, and who knows if you are still in Finland, but I will give it a try anyway. I am a distance learning student at a British University, currently living in Finland, and I am seeking for someone proofreading (at least parts of) my thesis. It is very important that it is someone with a "British ear", as my markers put emphasis on British spelling and punctuation. Would you be interested in doing this? If yes, under which conditions?
Kind wishes

[Sami-Is-Boss]

Does this not count as cheating?

[Brent]

A much better term is Fine tuning.