Experienced Fiction Proofreader Needed for Completed 148,000-Word Novel

I am seeking an experienced fiction proofreader for a completed contemporary fiction novel of approximately 148,000 words. The manuscript has already undergone extensive editing, including developmental review, a full copy edit, and separate continuity audits for chronology and other story-specific details. I am not looking for another developmental edit, line edit, or copy edit. I am specifically looking for a fresh, meticulous set of eyes to perform a final proofread before publication. Scope of Work I am looking for someone to carefully read the entire manuscript and identify/correct remaining mechanical errors, including: •Typos

• Missing, duplicated, or incorrect words
• Spelling errors
• Grammar and punctuation errors
• Dialogue punctuation issues
• Incorrect or missing quotation marks
• Capitalization inconsistencies
• Spacing and formatting inconsistencies
• Accidental tense or POV slips
• Incorrect character names or obvious continuity mistakes
• Any other errors that appear to have survived the editing process

The manuscript uses American English and the Oxford comma. Please preserve the author's voice. I am not looking for extensive stylistic rewriting or sentence restructuring unless something is genuinely incorrect, unclear, or awkward enough that it warrants being flagged. Deliverable Please return the manuscript as a Microsoft Word document using Track Changes for corrections. Comments may be used for questions or issues that require the author's judgment rather than a direct correction. Manuscript Length: Approximately 148,000 words Budget: $900 fixed price I am willing to consider proposals somewhat above or below the posted budget based on experience, qualifications, and the quality of your work. Timeline: Approximately 21 calendar days from the start of the contract. Care and accuracy are more important to me than speed. Ideal Candidate I am particularly interested in someone who:

• Has professional experience proofreading full-length fiction
• Is comfortable working with long manuscripts
• Understands the distinction between proofreading and copy/line editing
• Has an excellent command of American English grammar and punctuation
• Is proficient with Microsoft Word Track Changes
• Can preserve an author's established voice rather than unnecessarily rewriting it
• Has strong Upwork feedback or other verifiable proofreading/editing experience

When Applying Please answer the following questions in your proposal: 1. How many full-length fiction manuscripts have you proofread? 2. What is your normal proofreading rate per word for a manuscript that has already been professionally edited? 3. What turnaround time would you normally recommend for a 148,000-word novel? 4. Do you work in Microsoft Word using Track Changes? 5. How do you distinguish proofreading from copy editing or line editing? 6. Are you willing to complete a short proofreading sample before the contract is awarded? Please begin your proposal with the words “FINAL PROOF” so I know you have read the entire job description. Applicants who do not include those words will not be considered. Proofreading Sample I plan to ask a small number of finalists to proofread the same short sample from the manuscript before I make my final selection. The purpose of the sample is to evaluate accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to preserve the author's voice without unnecessary rewriting. Thank you. I look forward to reviewing your proposal. Apply To This Job