As a copywriter, I know firsthand that good writing isn’t just about stringing together clever sentences. It’s about clarity, impact, and above all, credibility. And that’s where proofreading and editing come in.

Even the best ideas can fall flat if the execution is sloppy. Typos, awkward phrasing, or inconsistent tone can chip away at your authority and make your message feel unpolished. That’s why I don’t just write. I edit. I proof. I polish. Because powerful copy demands precision.

Why Proofreading Matters Even for Professional Writers

No matter how experienced you are, it’s nearly impossible to catch every mistake in your own work. I’ve learned this the hard way. That’s why I always treat proofreading as an essential final step, whether I’m writing web copy, brand messaging, or long-form content.

Proofreading protects your credibility. It ensures that your content reads smoothly and reflects the thought and care you’ve put into your message. Without it, even your strongest work can feel careless.

Common Copywriting Mistakes I Catch (and Correct)

Over the years, I’ve spotted thousands of small errors that could’ve easily slipped by. Some of the most common include:

• Misplaced commas that change the meaning of a sentence
• Repetitive phrasing that dulls the message
• Inconsistent tone or switching between “you” and “we”
• Grammatical slips that break the reader’s trust
• Formatting issues that affect visual flow

These aren’t just nitpicks. They’re the difference between copy that converts and copy that gets ignored.

How I Use Editing to Elevate Every Project

Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes. It’s about sharpening your message. I approach every project with an editorial eye, revisiting structure, sentence flow, and voice. Whether I’m ghostwriting for a founder or tightening an e-commerce landing page, I look for opportunities to clarify, energize, and refine.

A well-edited piece feels effortless to read. It builds momentum. It earns trust. And it gets results.

Breaking Down the Types of Editing (and When I Use Each)

Understanding the levels of editing helps me know what a project truly needs. Here’s how I break it down:

Developmental Editing

This is where I zoom out. I look at structure, flow, and whether the ideas land. If something’s not clicking, I’ll restructure, rephrase, or ask tough questions that help move the piece from draft to dynamic.

Great for: Long-form blogs, lead magnets, course content, storytelling-based pieces

Copy Editing

Here, I’m polishing line by line. I tighten sentences, clarify meaning, and smooth transitions. This is where voice and rhythm are fine-tuned.

Great for: Web copy, email sequences, sales pages, case studies

Proofreading

Proofreading is the final sweep. I review the near-final draft for typos, punctuation issues, and formatting inconsistencies. Nothing slips through the cracks.

Great for: Final drafts, professional bios, polished portfolio pieces

Should You Hire a Freelance Editor or an Editing Service?

I’ve worked with clients on both sides of this equation, and I offer a hybrid approach. As a freelance editor and copywriter, I bring personal attention to every project. You won’t get lost in a content mill or be passed between junior editors. You work directly with me, and I treat your words like my own.

At the same time, I bring the structure, reliability, and experience you’d expect from a full-service editing team.

How I Help Clients Improve Their Copy

When clients come to me, they’re usually stuck in one of three places:

1. They’ve written something but know it’s not quite working
2. They’re launching something high-stakes and want another set of eyes
3. They need clean, effective copy, fast

Wherever you’re at, I meet you there. I provide honest, actionable feedback, and I always explain the “why” behind any change I suggest. My goal isn’t to rewrite your voice. It’s to refine it so it hits harder, reads smoother, and builds trust with your audience.

FAQs About My Proofreading and Editing Process

What can I expect when working with you?

You’ll get a clean, annotated version of your text with comments explaining any major changes or questions. I use Google Docs or tracked changes in Word, your choice. You’ll always understand what I did and why.

Do you offer editing without writing?

Absolutely. I edit blog posts, newsletters, landing pages, and more, even if you wrote them yourself or hired another writer. I’ll tighten everything up while keeping your original tone intact.

How much do your editing services cost?

Rates vary depending on the project type, length, and depth of editing needed. I offer flat-rate quotes after reviewing a sample of your content, with no surprises or inflated hourly billing. Editing projects typically start at $125.

---

Ready to Make Your Writing Shine?

Whether you’re struggling with clarity or just need a fresh set of expert eyes, I’m here to help. From copy audits to full-scale editing, I bring more than 17 years of writing and editorial experience to the table, and I’d love to put that to work for you.

🔍 Check out my online portfolio
📬 Want to chat about your project? Contact me here

You can also hire me on Upwork.com: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/kathleenhokit