Professional Proofreading
Accuracy, efficiency, peace of mind.
Elevate your writing.
Welcome to Kaizen Proofreading! If you're seeking a skilled and versatile proofreader who can enhance written work across a variety of genres, you've come to the right place. With a strong commitment to quality and clear communication, I'm here to help you refine your content to its finest form. Whether you're a writer, student, business owner, or anyone in need of meticulous proofreading, I'm ready to work alongside you, ensuring your words shine. Let's transform your text into its best self together.
Why hire a proofreader?
In a world saturated with words, the ability to communicate effectively through writing is an essential skill. Whether you're a business professional, blogger, author, student, researcher, or anyone who communicates in writing, the clarity of your text can make or break your message. This is where the unsung hero of the written realm comes into play: the proofreader.
Presenting a
Professional Image
Your written communication reflects your professionalism. A document riddled with errors can undermine your credibility. A proofreader ensures your content is polished, helping you make a lasting positive impression.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
In the business world, a simple typo can lead to significant consequences. A proofreader serves as a safeguard, helping you avoid costly mistakes that could harm your reputation and bottom line.
Engaging Blog Content
In the blogosphere, engaging content is key. A proofreader can help you transform your posts, captivate your audience, and build a loyal readership.
Crafting Compelling Narratives
Authors benefit from a fresh perspective. A proofreader refines the details, ensuring the author's unique voice resonates seamlessly with readers.
Academic Excellence
For students, the quality of your writing plays a crucial role in academic success. A proofreader boosts your grades and instills good writing habits for the future.
Rigorous Research
For researchers, accurate communication is paramount. A proofreader ensures your research findings are communicated with precision, increasing the likelihood of widespread recognition.
Saving Time and Effort
Proofreading is a specialized skill. By hiring a proofreader, you free up your time to focus on what you do best, whether it's running a business, conducting research, or crafting compelling narratives.
The decision to hire a proofreader is an investment in the effectiveness and impact of your written communication. Whether you're a business professional, a student, a blogger, a researcher, or an author, the benefits of polished prose extend far beyond mere grammar correction. So, the next time you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, consider enlisting the expertise of a proofreader—the unsung hero who transforms your words into a symphony of clarity and precision.
But what about AI?
Touted for their reliability and efficiency in improving your writing, AI tools are a great addition to any writer’s toolbelt. However, no AI tool is all-encompassing. They can still make mistakes—such as missing homophones, regional spellings, and character names—and they lack the unique perspective that a human proofreader brings. Beyond the capabilities of most AI writing tools, a proofreader will work within the context of client style guides and preferences as well as check the basic formatting of documents. In addition to bringing genre expertise to the table, they will view your text from the perspective of a human audience. They will be able to intuitively enhance clarity for your readers while staying true to your unique voice and style. While AI tools may provide quick fixes for some things, the depth of understanding, personal touch, and authenticity that human proofreaders contribute to a project make them an indispensable asset for impeccable writing.
Locally owned
As the sole owner of Kaizen Proofreading, I am personally invested in each project that I take on. I have always had a passion for language and the power of effective writing, and I bring that passion to every project.
Emma Pfahl
Owner, Proofreader
Emma Pfahl is a freelance proofreader from Macomb, Michigan. Her proofreading career naturally developed out of a lifelong love for reading, an affinity for language arts, and a keen eye for detail. Her expertise provides clients with polished writing ready to make its mark on the world.
Drawing on her professional experiences, Emma lends a uniquely insightful perspective to proofreading projects within the martial arts and education worlds. While her main focus is in these two areas, she thoroughly enjoys work in a wide variety of genres. Her home library is ample evidence, housing classic literature; poetry; myths and legends; sci-fi and fantasy novels; and nonfiction works on philosophy, physics, anatomy and fitness, martial arts, history, world religions, botany and gardening, cooking, sewing and crafts, leadership and personal growth, and more besides. When she is not working or training, Emma is inevitably reading. You will almost never find her without a book to hand!
Photo credit: HD Photography - Haylee DeCoste
Photo credit: HD Photography - Haylee DeCoste
Martial Arts
Over a decade of experience
Emma is a proud member of the Zen Bei Butoku-Kai International, currently headed by Sensei Brian Ricci. She has been training at Romanelli's International Martial Arts in Clinton Twp, MI, for over ten years, studying Karate, Kobudo, and Tai Chi. Additionally, she studies Modern Arnis under Grandmaster Jeffrey Delaney's International Modern Arnis Federation. When she is not training or teaching classes, Emma enjoys researching and reading about the martial arts of the world. Her background lends invaluable expertise to martial arts-related proofreading projects, including books, blogs, magazine articles, and more.
Education
Five years in southeast Michigan public schools
Emma began her education career in 2018 as an elementary Title I Paraprofessional in L'Anse Creuse Public Schools. Meanwhile, she attended Wayne State University for her degree in Secondary Education and student-taught in Warren Consolidated Schools. Since then, she has taught social studies in both L'Anse Creuse and Richmond Community Schools. She currently supports her fellow educators as a building substitute as she develops her freelance business. While her passion for words and reading eventually won out, Emma is still a staunch advocate for innovation in the classroom and supporting learners through technology and curriculum design. An educator at heart, she enjoys reading and discussing the latest trends and best practices in education. Her industry knowledge and experience is an asset that benefits education-related proofreading clients.
Warren Consolidated Schools staff photo, 2019
Services
When proofreading your document, I will check for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting issues, as well as identify and correct typos, factual inaccuracies, and minor inconsistencies in the text. The result is enhanced quality and clarity of the material, making it more professional and effective for your audience.
What proofreading includes:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Typos
- Formatting errors
- Minor inconsistencies
- Basic fact checking
What it does not include:
- Style
- Voice
- Tone
- Readability
- Flow
- Sentence structure
- Formatting design
Most of the second list describes copyediting, a step of the editing process that comes just before proofreading. When a proofreader checks a document, it is the last step to finalize the material for consumption. At this time, Kaizen Proofreading does not offer copyediting services.
Proofreading four ways:
Microsoft Word/Track Changes
Google Docs
iAnnotate for iPad using “stamps”
Traditional proofreaders’ marks (PDF or paper)
General Pricing
Individual project pricing will be discussed during initial consultation.
Fiction proofreading
$0.01/word
Nonfiction proofreading
$0.015/word
Get your quote today!
In just a few short clicks, you can be well on your way to more polished prose. Fill out the form below with a brief description of your project needs so I can connect with you for a free consultation. I look forward to working with you!
Portfolio
Volunteer Work
- Active member of Distributed Proofreaders, providing volunteer proofreading services to Project Gutenberg
- Project Gutenberg is a nonprofit organization that transforms out-of-print texts into free e-books. More information can be found on their website here: https://www.gutenberg.org/
Short story proofread using Track Changes
Article proofread using iAnnotate for iPad
Testimonials
"Emma was incredible to work with. Her attention to detail and fresh perspective brought my story to the next level. I felt like I was taken seriously as a writer, and had someone in my corner to help me accomplish my goals. Thank you (Emma) for bringing my vision to life!"
-Haley Ambrogio, author
Education and Training
Proofread
Anywhere
- Certified Proofreader
Wayne State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
Romanelli’s International Martial Arts
- Nidan, Karate-do
Let’s chat!
kaizenproofreading@gmail.com
(586) 330-0855
