Erica Ball - Friendly Proofreading Services
Welcome!
Hi! I'm Erica and I offer accessible proofreads to indie authors. I specialize in working with independent writers, so I know how to accommodate their unique needs through flexibility and individual attention.I am most experienced in women's fiction, fantasy, romance, romantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction, as well as neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ content.Please take a look at the info below and get in touch with any questions! I also offer an optional free sample proofread, if you'd like to make sure we're a good fit. Send a quick email to [email protected] to get started.If your budget is tight, I'm happy to set up a payment plan that works for you.


Low-Cost Error Check
My most affordable option is a proofreading alternative at a discount rate. This service catches the worst errors and typos, but may not address all grammar issues or style inconsistencies.I tailor this to each author's budget and needs, so please get in touch if this is of interest to you.
Proofread
My goal is to provide a last look before you send your book out in the world. I am trained in multiple style guides but will adapt to fit your voice and tone. I will spot spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors as well as misused or dropped words. I will also make sure your use of punctuation (like the em dash) and formatting (like italics) is consistent. You will receive back two copies of your manuscript: one with my suggestions marked up and one clean copy with them all implemented.$0.003 USD per word. (Approx. $0.004 CAD per word.)
Proofread + Light Copy Edit
I often include some light copy edits in my regular proofreads. But if you are interested in more attention to wording, verb tenses, awkward sentences, or problem areas, I also offer a proofread plus light copy edit combo. As with a basic proofread, you will receive back two copies of your manuscript: one with my suggestions marked up and one clean copy with them all implemented.$0.005 USD per word. (Approx. $0.007 CAD per word.)

Testimonials
"I can recommend Erica for proofreading and as a supportive writing team member. I’ve used her services and found her to be thorough and professional." - Cheryl Lawson
"I highly recommend Erica. She's awesome and great to have as an extra set of eyes to make sure things are consistent and catch typos." - Celeste Phillips
"Working with Erica was wonderful! I highly recommend her for your proofreading needs." - Tari Riley
"Just finished using Erica for a proofread and she was great! Caught many things I missed even after going through my manuscript a dozen or so times, and she even made a good amount of copyeditor-ish suggestions (while charging a fraction of what a copyeditor costs). Highly recommend!" - Daniel Maunz
"I vouch for her! She's amazing to work with." - R.S. Barry
"Go work with Erica, you won't regret it!!!" - M.T. Envy
"Erica does fantastic work! She helped me with The Mourning Song of Solitude." - Wesley Savage
About me
I'm a Canadian neurodivergent book nerd and mood reader. I worked in public libraries for 20 years and now am a freelance proofreader and writer. I'm pretty good at multi-tasking because I also homeschool my silly child, which keeps me very busy.Qualifications:
I have a Masters of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University, a BAH in Anthropology, a BA in Psychology, and a Proofreading Academy certificate.
Photos are my own. Images are from thegraphicsfairy.com.
