Editor and Proofreader
ABOUT
As an experienced, skilled and professional copy-editor and proofreader, I offer my services to assist with any type of text. However, my specialisation lies in academic editing, serving both publishers and individuals. With 17 years of experience as a lecturer, I have a deep understanding of the academic world and its unique challenges, including adherence to style guides, referencing requirements and meeting deadlines. My expertise ensures that academic manuscripts are polished to perfection, facilitating clarity, coherence and adherence to scholarly standards. QUALIFICATIONS: LLM (Masters in Law) Editing and Proofreading Course (SA Writers College) MEMBERSHIPS: Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG); Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA)
Services
ACADEMIC EDITING
Academic editing encompasses the refinement of various academic content, including journal articles, Master's theses, PhD dissertations, essays, assignments, proposals, and conference papers. Leveraging my 17 years of experience as a lecturer and familiarity with academic publishing, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the academic landscape and its demands. Beyond demonstrating a keen eye for detail and proficiency in language, an effective academic editor should be capable of the following:
• Eliminate language and formatting errors
• Organise ideas in a logical manner
• Enhance overall sentence structure and cohesiveness
• Eliminate repetitive data
• Streamline the text as a whole
• Enhance the author’s message
• Ensure referencing is in line with the style-guide requirements
• Deliver a polished document
• Meet the deadline
I commit to all of the above. I also provide certificate of edit if required. Whether you are a student or an academic, making use of an academic editor’s services should be a ‘no-brainer’. Simply put – You are the content specialist; I am the language expert! Call me today!
COPY EDITING
Copy editing encompasses several key elements, including:
• Language: Ensuring correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and appropriate vocabulary usage.
• Sentence structure, clarity, and flow: Enhancing readability and coherence throughout the text.
• Word count management: Adjusting the length of the text if necessary to meet specific requirements.
• Fact-checking: Verifying the accuracy of information presented in the text.
• Eliminating repetition: Identifying and removing redundant words or phrases, or suggesting alternatives for variety.
• Consistency: Ensuring uniformity in style, language, and formatting throughout the document.
• Removal of bias and offensive language: Addressing any instances of racial, gender, or other biases, as well as offensive language.
• For fiction: Identifying language that is out of character or inconsistent with the narrative.
I offer copy-editing services for a diverse range of texts, including publications (both fiction and non-fiction), articles, online content, manuals, essays, corporate and marketing materials, CVs, etc. However, I do not undertake edits for fiction manuscripts containing sexually explicit, erotic, or blasphemous content. (CONTACT DETAILS)PROOFREADING
Many novice writers often conflate copy-editing with proofreading, but they serve distinct purposes in the writing process. Copy-editing focuses on enhancing the overall flow and quality of the work. It typically occurs after the completion of a manuscript and can be time-consuming. On the other hand, proofreading is the final stage, aiming to ensure that already edited writing is error-free. During proofreading, the focus shifts to:
• Consistency in formatting, spelling, numbering etc.
• Formatting elements such as layout, font size, style, color, bullet points, numbering in lists, paragraph alignment, and indentations.
• Ensuring accurate page numbering, chapter headings, table of contents, indices, and appendices.
• Verifying the correctness of headings and numbering for illustrations, tables, and figures.
• Conducting a final check for spelling, grammar errors, and typos.
Proofreading is crucial, especially if any changes or additions were made to a document after editing.(CONTACT DETAILS)TRANSLATIONS (Afrikaans to English text and vice versa)
I translate corporate and academic content. With a background in law, I am able to assist attorneys with the translation of various legal documents (title deeds, constitutions, wills etc.). Are you apprehensive to attempt a translation on your own. Then don’t! Contact me today. (CONTACT DETAILS)
References
From our initial interactions, it was evident that Jeanne had an innate understanding of the intricacies of academic writing and editin. Jeanne exhibited a high level of professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability. She demonstrated exceptional time management skills and her willingness to go above and beyond to meet my thesis submission deadline was truly impressive. Jeanne proved to be an outstanding editor, meticulously combing through every chapter of my thesis to identify and rectify grammatical errors, structural inconsistencies, and citation inaccuracies. Her keen eye for detail and exceptional command of the language greatly improved my thesis's overall clarity and cohesiveness. Not only did she address the technical aspects, but she also provided valuable suggestions and feedback that significantly enhanced my work's overall presentation and impact. Jeanne demonstrated commendable communication skills. Her passion for her work and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of her performance.
Melanie Bernice Cloete
DUT
The entire experience in working with Jeanne proved to be pleasant and professional. She delivered results in accordance with pre-arranged deadlines. Her efforts displayed excellent language and formatting capabilities, diligent proofreading, an acute awareness of style guide requirements and carefully identifying errors and inconsistencies. I would highly recommend Jeanne’s service to any academic/writer/publisher in need of editing, proofreading or formatting.
Shaun Harmse
Previous Master’s student (NWU)
I made use of Jeanne Kalamer’s services in preparation of my Master’s thesis for the degree Master of Philosophy in Health Professions Education. I am thoroughly impressed by the quality of her work. Jeanne is very thorough, and she picked many errors in the references after I fine combed it for errors. Her editing made the thesis significantly easier to read and Jeanne’s translation of the abstract from English to Afrikaans was excellent. I will definitely make use of her services again and recommend her with confidence to anyone in need of editing, proofreading and translation of documents.
Dr Francois Coetzee
MMed (FamMed) Rural Clinical School MB,ChB program coordinator Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health Faculty of Medicine and Health
I would like to thank you sincerely for your professional, speedy response to my very first program I have put together which needed editing. Not only was I super happy with the editing, but the turn around time was nothing like I expected, it was very fast, and within 72hours my edits were complete. I am in absolute awe of your ethics, attention to detail and am most certainly going to use your services going forward as I do have more programs I would like to publish in the very near future. Thank you once again for the amazing service I received. I am looking forward to building a great business relationship together going forward.
Tammy Dreyer
Fit with Tam (Business name)
Met GROOT vrymoedigheid wil ek Jeanne Kalamer as Teks- en taalversorger aanbeveel. Ek was nuuskierig oor haar aanbevelings toe ek die manuskrip terugkry. Jeanne het verduidelik waarom sy ʼn sinoniem of ander uitdrukking gebruik. Dit was sinvolle aanbevelings en nie ʼn verandering net om te verander nie. Sy het my stem en styl behoue laat bly. Glo my, ek het al ʼn redigeerder beleef wat my manuskrip so wil verander, dat dit nie meer voel soos my werk nie. Dankie, Jeanne, jou werk is professioneel.
Elsabé Welman
Skrywer
www.elsabewelman.co.za
I am in the process of publishing my recipe eBook and Jeanne has been accommodating of my time constraints and her work has been professional and not compromised by my time pressure. I am very impressed by the quality of work produced and now my recipes are well structured and written in a professional manner. Excellent, trust worthy and friendly service. I highly recommend Jeanne from Catch Phrase services’
Ferne K, Content Creator, KwaZulu Natal
ferne@welliam.co.za
Mrs. Kalamer has done an exceptional job of editing my work, in the limited time given to her. Her knowledge and skills to transform words into engaging content have made a huge difference in my writing. She is a reliable and dedicated editor that will walk the extra mile to meet the deadline. I highly recommend Mrs. Kalamer as an excellent and professional editor.
A Jansen van Vuren
Lecturer,Travel and Tourism Management VUT
IN CLOSING...
With a keen eye for detail, an aptitude for languages and a love for the written word, I am absolutely passionate about my craft. My goal is not only to enhance the client’s work, but to also honour the writer’s voice. You can expect professional work; timeously done. Feel free to read references about my work REFERENCES.
I would love to assist you, whether you are attempting to write a first novel or whether you are engrossed in a topic of research for an academic article. You might ask, ‘Do I really need an editor?’ My answer: Can you afford NOT to use one?!
Hope to hear from you (CONTACT)
Jeanne