GJT SERVICES 
(Copy Editing & Proofreading)

G Jill Todd Cert Ed., DipPRE
11 Anne Roper Close
New Romney
Kent TN28 8UA

Tel: 01797 363978

Email: grajilltodd@aol.com

I pride myself on producing
a professional job for my clients,
being very reliable and conscientious,
and having a fast turnaround time.
 

Jill is from an educational background and has written and produced educational CD-ROMs and worksheets,
is a published poet, former news correspondent for a local newspaper and former editor of a substantial parish magazine. Since taking early retirement from teaching and gaining her diploma in copy editing and proofreading from
Maple Academy, she has been offering freelance editorial services to authors, publishers, students, educational consultants and other businesses since 1999.

Services Available

copy editing (MS Word); proofreading; copy writing;
ghost writing; rewriting; word-processing.

Fees are negotiable according to the complexity of the work required - a price for the whole work is quoted.

My quote is for copy editing and proofreading combined, so that your work can be sent straight to your chosen publisher without the added expense of employing a proofreader.

I ask for half the payment in advance and the remainder when my client is completely satisfied with my work.

I guarantee complete confidentiality - when your work is completed it will be shredded or erased from the system.

Copy Editing

I check for errors and rearrange words to ensure that your work reads well, is consistent, clear and makes sense.

Other areas scrutinised are:

• ü spelling, punctuation, capitalisation;
• ü grammatical errors, paragraphs;
• ü rewriting where required, but always keeping to the writer’s own style;
• ü identifying factual errors;
• ü style, character, brevity;
• ü headings, spacing, page numbers;
• ü possible libellous material and much, much more!
   

Proofreading

Proofreading is the next rung of the publishing ladder after copy editing and prior to publication.

I check carefully to make sure the copy editor has corrected all mistakes in the original manuscript.

I specifically look for the following things:

• ü spelling errors;
• ü incorrect punctuation, capitalisation;
• ü inconsistent page numbering, headings, fonts;
• ü factual errors;
• ü dates, times;
• ü indentations, layout.

Getting Published - do it the right way!

After numerous hours of hard work and sleepless nights, will your work ever be published? This is no easy task as publishers are swamped with mountains of manuscripts daily, all of which have to be read and assessed for potential sales and possible publication. Competition is immense and your work can be dismissed for the smallest reason.

When you send your work to a publisher there are some important points you should remember to give it a professional look.

• Submit your work on white, A4 paper using one side only.
• The separate title page should contain the title, your name, number of words and your name and address.
• Double space your work.
• Indent paragraphs.
• Do not use italics, bold, or underlined words/passages.
• Do not leave line gaps between paragraphs.
• Number the pages.
• Include the title at the top of each page.
• Do not put your work in a plastic sleeve, between card or use reams of sticky tape to seal the envelope.
• Enclose a SAE in case your work is rejected.
• If you receive a letter from a publisher, reply to it as quickly as possible.

These things may seem unimportant to you, but remember that you are helping yourself if you follow the rules.  

Always keep in mind that your work could be the next book everyone clamours to read! Good luck!

Publishers & Educational Consultants who have used GJT Services

"As an aspiring author, I have nothing but praise for Jill Todd and her excellent GJT SERVICES."

Phil Arnold - Seven Holes in England - The Brighold - The Iron Duke

"I recently consulted Jill Todd in respect of proofreading a book I have written. I found her suggestions for change most useful and helpful. She responded very quickly, which was encouraging when I was eagerly awaiting the return of my first manuscript. I will not hesitate to acquire Jill's services in the future."

Julia Baker - The Toad With Smelly Feet - Neville and Nutkin

"My grateful and heartfelt thanks to Jill Todd for all her help and encouragement during the preparation of my first two novels for publication. Jill has done a superb job in editing my novels, and has been kind, considerate and always ready to offer advice and assistance when required. I am afraid I have made several calls upon her time, but she has never failed to help me, and this is greatly appreciated."

John Broome - The Boyzie Trilogy and its sequel Climbing Kilimanjaro

"Jill exceeded my expectations in terms of the timescale and the sensitive way she edited my book. Her very first e-mail acknowledged how daunting it was for me to share my work with a professional and I initially thought her rates were too good to be true in terms of the services she offered for the fee quoted. Jill always seemed to know what I was trying to convey, so that sometimes I started to wonder if she was telepathic! I wouldn’t hesitate to use or recommend Jill’s services in future."

Jane Coupes - Hand in Hand

"I have no hesitation in recommending Jill Todd and GJT Services. It has been a pleasure from the outset to work with Jill; she quickly eased my anxiety prior to submitting my book manuscript into her capable hands. I feel very fortunate in having found her and would certainly use her services again. The work carried out by Jill, and the speed in which she completed the task, far exceeded my expectations and, in fact, her own schedule."

A R Drew - Please Remember

"I can recommend Jill Todd unreservedly for her professionalism, advice and friendly, personal service. She dealt with all aspects of the editing of my book with interest and expertise, and I am very grateful to her for the help and interest she showed at all times. Her terms are very reasonable and her work prompt and efficient. I would definitely employ her again should I need any further help with editing. Many thanks Jill!"

Bronwen E Finch - The Agony Abides

"Working with Jill from the outset turned out to be an easy pleasure for me. I had a preconceived dread of what to expect as it was my first venture into allowing another to peruse my work – a big step for me and not one lightly taken. Early on it became clear Jill’s expertise and understanding approach would make those first tentative steps all that much easier. What was all the fuss about? Her promises to start and finish my precious manuscript were not only exact, but exceeded my high expectations. More I could not have expected, your professionalism shone through and I could not be happier. Sincere thanks for a job well done."

Frederick C Flanagan - Masters of Zulm

"If you are an unknown writer, Jill is such a star, professional and so easy to discuss your greenhorn problems with.
I totally recommend her services to all would-be book writers. Thanks again, Jill."

Katie Goodwin - The No Frills Vegetarian
(www.thenofrillsvegetarian.com)

"Jill is professional and takes everything into consideration when going about her work. Her work is presentable and punctual, and she is a pleasure to consult with about small and great matters."

Abu Ja'far al Hanbali - A Word of Advice - The Divine Texts

"Jill edited my autobiography professionally and sensitively despite it being a very explicit and brutal piece of work. She kept in touch with me throughout, remaining completely open-minded and in-tune with my work. The speed with which the editing was completed was impressive. If you require quick, professional and thoughtful editing, I most definitely recommend Jill. Her rates are very good too!"

Haydn - Nobody Knows Me

"The Self Publishing Network have been using Jill's proofreading services for a few years and have found her to be professional, accurate and reasonably priced with a quick turnaround - just what self publishers need. Jill is an open and approachable person whom I am happy to continue to place work with."

Steve Hindle, The Self Publishing Network

"Jill, thank you for proofreading and editing my manuscript, which was done very professionally, efficiently and with great sensitivity. Your work has made my manuscript good enough for publishers to show an interest. I will not hesitate to use your services again and will certainly recommend you to other writers."

Hanna Horrell - The Encounter

"I would like to thank Jill Todd, who turned my badly punctuated and messy manuscript
into something of which I can be proud. I am now spurred on to complete my next novel with her help.
 Her grasp of the right way to arrange words is amazing. Muchas grazias, Jill."

Maggie Howard - The Spanish Connection

"The manuscript of Origin took me almost fifteen months to complete, working most evenings, weekends and long into the night. By the time it was finished I thought it was near perfect - then I enlisted Jill. She added a polish that only a true professional could - in just two weeks! Thanks Jill, I have no reservations in recommending your services to any author, and I will certainly enlist your help again with 'phase two', Interim."

Roger Hydes - Origin
(http://theheritagetrilogy.com)

"Jill, thank you for your patience and kind help. I would highly recommend you to anyone."

Sheila Jakab - A Twist of Fate

"Thank you for your excellent service and quick turnaround. I shall definitely be using your services again and will be recommending you to other writers."

Peter Kitson - The Second Coming & Human Shield

"Thank you for your valued editing, support and comments. As a first time writer,
you have given me the confidence to finish my book."

Hazel Larcombe - Far-Ago Magic 'Six' Island

"You promised a professional, friendly editing service and delivered all you promised. I can't thank you enough for taking on the job of editing my book, and for helping me take a huge step to fulfil my dream."

Ronan Lee - Let Dreams be Dreams

"When I engaged Jill to proofread and edit Timecrack, a manuscript of 96,000 words, I thought it would take at least several weeks of discussion and editing. As it turned out, it took a lot less than that, and from beginning to end it was a very easy and friendly relationship with constant contact maintained until the various corrections and improvements were achieved. The end result is a professional touch to my manuscript that I'm more than happy to send to a publisher. Thanks Jill."

Bill Long - Timecrack

"As a struggling, newly fledged publishing company, we found Jill Todd of GJT Services to be efficient and extremely helpful. The finished manuscript was a very professional job at a very reasonable rate. We will be using her again."

L Mann - Mr Boots

"I have to say that I am well pleased with the thorough job you have done in proofreading and editing my manuscript, and would have no hesitation in recommending you to others who might require the benefit of your excellent services."

Bryan Marlowe - Memoirs of an Errant Youth

"I found working with Jill hassle-free, and she provided a great service. Her correspondence was always prompt and her editing service was more than satisfactory. I would gladly recommend her to anyone requiring a thorough and professional edit of their work."

Niecy O'Keefe - Frankie Clackan Killed Rock 'n' Roll

"I was amazed at how quickly you executed the rewriting of my novel, rather like a bulldozer! I am so grateful to you as you made sense of my writing and I will certainly use your services again and again."

Kingsley Onye - Rat Rebellion - A Collection of African Short Stories for Children

"I just want to drop you a line to say a great big thank you. Your work on my book manuscript was fantastic. I had no idea there were so many corrections. I feel confident that the book is now in the best shape ever and have already sent it to print. Thanks for your speedy and efficient service and I will definitely be recommending you to others."

Ade Orelaja - The Homebuyer's Advantage

"Thanks a lot, Jill, for your quick service and such fantastic editing work of my story. In particular, your comments were very helpful. As a non-native English speaker (and writer), I very much value and appreciate your support."

Natalya Popova - Rainbow's Revelations

"My grateful thanks to Jill for the excellent way my novel, The Naked Cossack, was so promptly edited and proofread with professionalism and great care."

Clifford Preston - The Naked Cossack

"Thanks for all your good work - my first editing experience has been a pleasure, thanks to your speedy editing skills. I'll be back!"

Ian Pugh - Wolfstorm

"It is said that there is a book in us all; working with Jill Todd has brought me to the conclusion that I may be able to manage another one. Jill's sensitivity in editing my book so professionally allows it to be read exactly how I wished. It has been a delight to have Jill help me with this and I recommend her without hesitation."

John Pye - The Force Was With Me

"If you have just finished your novel and you want it edited and crafted by someone who cares just as much as you do, then give Jill Todd a call."

Hector Thomson - Hector of the Glens

"Thank you, Jill, for being so helpful. Your kind comments and hard work were much appreciated!"

University Student

"Jill accepted a difficult challenge to edit summaries concerning our Brazilian authors and their books.
She did so with great care and within a short time. We warmly recommend her work."

WB World Books GmbH (Germany)

"Serco QAA has been regularly using Jill Todd's proofreading service for some years. One particularly  important requirement is rapid turnaround, and Jill has always excelled in this respect. She is able to adapt  to the varying requirements of different business sectors, and I would have no hesitation in recommending her for proofreading work."

Jan Zachary, Quality Assurance Manager, Serco QAA

This site was last updated 24th September 2008 © GJT Services 2005-08