Proof-reading

[Batfink]

I am currently living overseas and have been approached by a local pharmacist to proof-read her research work to ensure the English is correct. Any ideas what I should be charging? I am a fully qualified pharmacist although all she really wants is a native English speaker. Any suggestions?

[crit care]

is this pharmacist a friend..if so i wold probably be reluctant to charge, and do it as a favour.....i don't think it sounds too demanding, it doesn't sound as though she wants you to look into the facts and detail, more the grammar and it flows properly....

also is she expecting to pay you for your work?

[Batfink]

Thanks for your reply.......she isn't a friend, she is a contact I have made through non-pharmacy work and she has asked me how much I would charge. At first glance it looks like it might be a bit involved - her English isn't too bad but she goes round the houses a bit so it might take a while......

[crit care]

ah ok...the only proof reading i did was for a friend on a book he was writing and all i managed to get was a mention in the front of the book (thats if he rememebred to put my anme in there) and a meal out of him, and a few free copies of the book! depends if you want to charge by the hour or a lump sum......

out of interest, what is her first language?

[trulylovelyperson]

Hi

Quick online search 'tips4jobs' website gave dec2010 UK rate for freelance proofreading 15 to 20 £ per hour up to £35 for highly specialist work......From what you say you may not just be pointing out faults in her English but actually suggesting improvements - editing? . I would also get a look at size of document before making a judgement.
While not appearing greedy I assume you want to be adequately paid for your time while giving her a good deal - hope this helps. You will be better placed locally to know her circumstances/ abiility to pay.

[Nik]

Presumably if it is research work she also wants it published, so if you're going to be involved in editing you'll also need to make sure you know what requirements the journal expect ie layout, referencing etc which adds more time and effort. If I was just doing a read-through I'd also probably do it for free, whether I knew the person or not.

[crit care]

I guess also depends if you want to set off a trend of proof-reading work. She may bang out more papers that will require proof reading or she will spread the word amongst her colleagues that you can proof read material to check for english, so offering services for free...whilst kind and generous, could be seen as taking advantage of you

Also maybe worth being explicit, that you are ONLY checking her english and not the content of the research work, or you may want to double check the content......

[Batfink]

Thanks for your input guys. I'm not really looking to make a packet but she has suggested that there might be more work in the future which is why I don't want to do it for free. I think I'll go for something nominal just so it's not seen as a favour but also not to take advantage of her.....Will let you know how I get on!

[Nik]

but she has suggested that there might be more work in the future which is why I don't want to do it for free. I think I'll go for something nominal just so it's not seen as a favour but also not to take advantage of her.....

Go on, squeeze her for what she's worth.

[johnep]

Go on take advantage of her, give her a squeeze.
johnep