Revisão para iniciantes - Parte II

How to Price Your Work as a Proofreader

Understanding Pricing Models

• The first step in pricing proofreading work is deciding whether to charge per page or per lauda (a standard unit of measurement).

• A lauda is defined as an A4 page with specific margins: 3 cm on the left, 2 cm on the right and bottom, and line spacing set at 1.5. This typically results in about 1,200 to 2,100 characters.

Factors Influencing Pricing

• When charging by lauda, it's important to consider that some texts may contain more content than just the main text due to quotes or figures which can affect the workload.

• Charging too low can undervalue your time; conversely, high rates might deter potential clients. Finding a balance is crucial.

Evaluating Work Complexity

• Different projects vary in complexity; some require extensive revisions while others are straightforward. It's essential to assess each project individually.

• Consideration should be given to how long it takes you to review different types of texts—this will help determine a fair hourly rate.

Quoting for Clients

• When providing a quote for proofreading services, it's beneficial to have variable pricing based on the complexity of the work rather than fixed rates.

• Before quoting a price, review the document briefly to gauge its difficulty level and adjust your estimate accordingly.

Professional Presentation

• Always present your quotes in well-written formal language as this reflects professionalism and builds trust with potential clients.

• Prepare a template for quotes that includes clear explanations of what constitutes a lauda and how pricing is calculated based on character count.

Finalizing Quotes

• Explain your pricing structure clearly so clients understand how their document's length translates into costs. Use tools like word counters for transparency.

How to Effectively Price Your Editing Services

Importance of Email Signatures

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of including a professional email signature, which can help potential clients recognize your expertise in editing and proofreading.

• The speaker shares their personal experience of using an email signature that clearly stated their role as an academic text editor, enhancing visibility and credibility.

Pricing Strategies for Editing Work

• A key strategy discussed is determining whether to charge per page or by the hour, based on how long it takes to edit a specific amount of text.

• Establishing a standard rate involves calculating how many pages can be edited in an hour and setting a price accordingly, taking into account the complexity of the texts.

Understanding Different Roles: Revisors vs. Copyeditors

• The speaker highlights the distinction between revision and copyediting, suggesting that understanding these roles is crucial for positioning oneself in the market.

• They mention their preference for copyediting over revising, indicating that this choice influenced how they presented their services.

Key Responsibilities of a Text Editor

• The primary task of a revisor includes ensuring compliance with standard language norms, particularly important for academic texts like theses and dissertations.

• Correcting spelling errors is also emphasized; modern tools assist but attention must still be paid to commonly confused words (e.g., "censo" vs. "senso").

Techniques for Effective Revision

• Editors should suggest alternatives for repeated words within texts to enhance clarity and readability.

• Marking changes directly in documents (e.g., highlighting repeated words in yellow) allows clients to see revisions clearly before finalizing edits.

Organizing Content During Edits

• Editors are encouraged to rearrange sentences or paragraphs if it improves flow or coherence; this may involve moving content from one section to another based on its relevance.

• Providing comments alongside edits helps authors understand why changes were made, fostering better communication between editor and client.

Attention to Direct Citations

Editing and Revising Texts: Key Insights

Importance of Commenting on Errors

• When encountering errors in a text, it's crucial to notify the author rather than directly correcting them. Use comment balloons to ask if the original error is intentional.

• This approach helps clarify that the mistake originates from the original author, not from the client or editor.

Adhering to Normative Grammar

• Editors must ensure that texts comply with normative grammar rules rather than descriptive grammar. This includes proper spelling and structure.

• It's important to rearrange content for better flow and coherence, especially when dealing with direct quotes that may disrupt the narrative.

Content Adjustments by Editors

• While not obligatory, editors can suggest content adjustments based on their expertise. For instance, if an article contains inaccuracies about legal matters, it’s beneficial to inform the client.

• Such adjustments are seen as a courtesy that prevents potential misunderstandings in academic or literary texts.

The Role of Copyediting

• Copyediting involves more than just grammatical corrections; it also includes rewriting sections for clarity and engagement.

• An example provided illustrates how copyeditors transform journalistic pieces into more polished formats suitable for publication.

Balancing Sensitivity with Professionalism

• Editors should maintain sensitivity towards authors' work since it represents significant effort and emotional investment.

• Communication through comment balloons serves as a dialogue channel between editors and clients, fostering constructive feedback without undermining the author's intent.

Handling Emotional Content in Academic Writing

• Recognizing that academic writing reflects personal emotions is essential. Editors should approach sensitive phrases carefully to avoid misinterpretation.

• A specific example highlights how rephrasing common sayings can enhance clarity while respecting the author's voice.

Tips for Effective Client Communication in Revision Work

Importance of Delicate Proposals

• Emphasizes the need to propose changes delicately to clients, ensuring that suggestions are presented thoughtfully.

Organizing Feedback with Color Coding

• Suggests using different colors for organizing revision work: yellow for highlighting repeated expressions and words, and green for marking individuals whose responses are needed from the client.

Respecting Client's Word Choices

• Discusses the importance of respecting a client's choice of words, even if they seem incorrect or ambiguous. It’s crucial to ask if a word can be changed before making any alterations.

Clarifying Confusing Sections

• Advises on addressing confusing sections by asking clarifying questions directly within comments. This helps ensure understanding and accuracy in revisions.

Final Review Process