Format 1
Quick proofing
We catch typos, spelling mistakes, and punctuation errors. This format suits short texts or already-revised documents that need a final eye before release.
Professional proofing service for business texts
Maxime Collins inc.
Your text is already well written, but you want to make sure nothing has slipped past you before sending or publishing it? Proofing brings a fresh, methodical, and professional eye, without changing the substance of the text.
Trusted by:
De Grandpré ChaitecobeeMarmon Industrial Energy & InfrastructureClub MedÉditions Cardinal
Understanding the service
Proofing, revision, proofreading: what is the difference?
In English, these three terms are often used interchangeably, when they actually correspond to different levels of intervention. Knowing the difference between these tasks helps you choose the right service from the start and get a result that meets your expectations.
Proofing catches the errors that remain in an existing text, such as spelling, grammar, or syntax mistakes, or certain inconsistencies. It comes after writing, but before proofreading on a laid-out document. Unlike revision, it does not change the structure of the text.
Proofing does not rework a text in depth. It makes sure a text that is already well written can go out without errors.
Three proofing formats adapted to your needs
Each format matches a different level of intervention, based on the state of the text and your goals.
Format 2
In-depth proofing
We carry out a full check of grammar, syntax, punctuation, internal consistency, and language register. This is the format most often used for business documents that go out to a wide audience or to partners.
Format 3
Proofing with adaptation
In addition to in-depth proofing, the text is adjusted to set parameters, such as adapting from European French to Canadian French, gender-inclusive writing, or aligning the tone with the target audience. This format is especially useful for content produced internationally that needs adapting for the Quebec market.
When should you call on a proofing service?
Proofing is a good fit in the following situations.
Texts produced in-house
Your teams write, we proof
Does your marketing team, your HR department, or your managers write texts? Outside eyes pick up what writers no longer see. After rereading the same content over and over, the eye stops noticing certain errors. That is where we step in!
AI-generated content
A text generated by AI that needs a human eye
Texts produced by ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or other tools often show awkward phrasing, repetitions, inconsistent terms, and wording that often sounds translated from English. Proofing corrects these awkward turns of phrase so the text reads naturally in Quebec French.
European adaptation
Texts from France adapted to the Quebec and Canadian market
If you have a head office in Europe, you may receive content in European French. Proofing with adaptation adjusts expressions, vocabulary, and typographic conventions so your texts are tailored to a local readership. For example, mobile becomes cellulaire and mail becomes courriel.
The types of proofing services we offer
In-depth proofing (syntax and consistency)
Full check of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and internal consistency. The most common format for business documents.
Correction of spelling, typos, and punctuation
A targeted final pass before release. For texts that have already been revised and only need a final validation.
Adaptation from European French to Canadian French
Adjustment of expressions, vocabulary, and typographic conventions so your texts from Europe are tailored for the Quebec and Canadian market.
Also: targeted rewriting and improvements | layout verification
How a proofing project unfolds
The work runs in three steps, from receiving the text to delivering it.
Text evaluation
The first step is to analyze the text and understand the work to be carried out. A cost estimate and a deadline are then sent to you.
Proofing
Next, the text is proofed according to the chosen format. Corrections are made using Track Changes mode (for Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents) or using annotations (for PDF documents), so you can clearly see every change we make.
Delivery of the document
Once the proofing is complete, the text is returned to you with visible corrections and relevant comments.
For more complex or higher-visibility projects, a second person can carry out an additional quality check. The service is offered in French and in English.
The expertise behind the service
A team that knows the difference between proofing and rewriting
Proofing and revision are often confused, which can lead to poorly defined projects and a level of intervention that does not match your needs. Each text is evaluated up front to determine the work that is actually required.
If a careful eye is enough, we will tell you. If a deeper revision is more appropriate, you will be directed to the right service.
What our clients say about proofing
Maxime se distingue vraiment en tant que traducteur. Son professionnalisme et son attention aux détails sont remarquables. J’ai eu le plaisir de travailler avec lui sur quelques projets, et sa capacité à capturer la nuance linguistique est exceptionnelle. En plus de sa rapidité, Maxime démontre une compréhension approfondie du contexte de notre entreprise, ce qui enrichit considérablement ses traductions. Je le recommande chaleureusement à tous ceux qui recherchent des services de traduction de qualité.
Merci à Maxime d’être un homme qui fait évoluer la langue française afin qu’elle soit plus égalitaire. J’ai beaucoup apprécié l’efficacité, le sens du détail et les commentaires de Maxime qui m’ont aidée à bien comprendre toutes les suggestions/corrections proposées.
Marie Deschene
Fondatrice, Académie des Autonomes
Frequently asked questions about proofing
Answers to the most common questions about the service.
What is the difference between proofing and revision?
Revision touches on structure, clarity, style, and consistency. It can involve rewriting full passages. Proofing is lighter; it aims to spot errors without rewriting the text. In short: revision improves, proofing corrects.
How do I know if my text needs proofing or revision?
Send us your document. After a quick review, we will recommend the right level of intervention. If the text is well structured but contains occasional errors, proofing will be enough. If clarity or structural issues come up, revision will be recommended. This assessment is free.
What is France-Canada adaptation proofing?
When a text is written in European French, it contains expressions, turns of phrase, and typographic conventions that diverge from those of Canadian French. We adapt the French so it matches Quebec standards, keeping it light and without changing the substance of the content.
Can you proof texts generated by artificial intelligence?
Yes. AI-generated texts often display recognizable traits such as awkward phrasing, repetitions, and an uneven tone. Proofing corrects these gaps and gives the text a natural voice in Quebec French. If the text calls for deeper rewriting, we will direct you toward revision.
How is the proofing service billed?
Proofing is billed at a fixed hourly rate. The time required varies based on the chosen format, the length of the text (word count), and the quality of the original writing. An estimate is provided before the start of the project to avoid any surprise.
Looking for a fresh eye on your text?
Send us your document for a quick review. We will recommend the right proofing format for your needs.