I'm a freelance Copywriter and Proofreader based near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, the West Midlands, but I accept work from across the UK. I have many years' experience and have previously worked as a full-time Proofreader for a UK publisher that focused on political journals, both printed and online. I now work as a Copywriter/Proofreader for a local engagement marketing consultancy.
Specialising in copywriting blogs, press releases and webpages I incorporate keywords to help with search engine optimization (SEO) as well as create unique content, and will happily accept bulk orders or single entries. This experience includes creating effective meta tags and title tags for targeted SEO strategies. I also have experience with helping self-publishers get their manuscripts ready for either print or to go live online. Additionally, some of my work is seasonal, and in August there's always a run of MA essay and dissertation work that comes in!
I offer copyediting services, such as revising CVs and résumés with accompanying Cover Letters. Likewise, I can help with letter writing, speech composition, or creating new copy for websites or promotional literature. This means I understand the importance of keeping to a house style and also have specific experience with content managed WYSIWYG websites.
Fluent with the UK standard proofreading symbols, I am happy marking up a range of literature from web content to university essays, and advert proofs to manuscripts.
I have a Masters Degree in Contemporary Women's Poetry by Independent Study and a First Class Bachelors Degree with Honours in English (combined Language and Literature). Please feel free to add me on Facebook or follow me on Twitter and Instagram (charissesayers1), and see what I've been up to recently by visiting my blog. If you have LinkedIn check out my professional credentials and testimonials.
There's nothing better than getting someone else's opinion before you try a new service for the first time, so here are a few friendly words from people who I've worked with before, and if you're on LinkedIn check out my professional recommendations too.
'An author friend of mine once told me, "No one cares as much about your book as you do." Friends and well wishers may tell you your work is good, brilliant even, but very rarely are they brave enough to tell you what they really think. What will help you produce a product you can be proud of is a good editor, no, you need an excellent editor and I can tell you from experience that there aren't very many of them. I got lucky, very lucky, because a good friend introduced me to Charisse who quickly showed me, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that my work mattered to her, it mattered so much that she got to know my characters as well as I do. She worked tirelessly to tighten my story, sharpen my descriptions, round off my characters and tidy up what was a very messy manuscript. Never once was she afraid to challenge me on an unclear story line, to point out where a character might have strayed, to query historical relevance or accuracy or simply to tell me that something wasn't working. Charisse doesn't fuss, she doesn't panic, she quietly encourages and nudges you and herself to make your work the best it can be. Charisse is a lady with an immense skill and dedication. She has an eye for detail that would rival a hawk and a red pen that she's not afraid to use. I honestly can't image trusting anyone else with my books.'
'Accurate and precise, Charisse's proofreading of a scientific report was delivered in a very professional way in terms of quality and time. I will definitely rely on her for more scientific and non-technical papers.'
Roberta Borgognoni, Contracts Manager for The GEM Foundation - Pavia.
'I've used Charisse for several proofing jobs, ranging from small paragraphs of copy to my entire website. I have always been amazed at how quickly and efficiently she works. Her notes of amendments and suggested improvements are clear and concise, and she has an excellent attention to detail. I look forward to working with her again in the future.'
Jane Tibbetts, Graphic Designer, Chatty Nora - Yorkshire.
'Charisse made my CV organised and more interesting to read. Thanks to this service I now feel I will stand out from the crowd of job applicants, making it real value for money.'
Natalie Porter, Job hunter - Essex.
'I recommend Charisse's Proofreading and Copywriting skills for any project you want spot on. I have called upon her expertise and sought her advice on many occasions and when I believe there is nothing left to correct she'll usually find something!'
Heather, Graphic Designer and Artisan - Leicester.
'Charisse worked with us to write the copy for a six page programmes. We received so many compliments that we have already signed up her services for next year's show!'
'Charisse's CV revision service was excellent. I am not very good at being concise so when I sent my cover letter it was far too long. Charisse's service was prompt and her email explained clearly why changes had been made. The cover letter itself still expressed my original writing style so I didn't feel as though it was not my letter anymore but the overall reading was more professional and eloquent. I am very pleased I went to Charisse and would highly recommend her. I feel I handed in my job application with the knowledge it sounds as good as it could possibly get. Thank you Charisse.'
Helena Vickers, Job Applicant - Leicester.
'I wanted to write a book, I had never wrote anything more than a letter in my life. I searched through many websites that dealt with copyediting and proofreading; it was a daunting task. Then I then found Charisse's website. Charisse took away all my doubts, I must admit I was worried that my character or the 'taste' of the book might change, but instead Charisse cleverly used all this to enhance and bring the book to life. It was important that due to my lack of grammar and spelling I didn't lose what I needed to say, so I needed a proofreader and copy-editor I could trust. Charisse kept in touch all the time, contacting me at various intervals to ensure that everything was OK. I am so pleased I contacted Charisse to work on my book, Thank you!'
Dennis Binks, International Clairvoyant Medium and Psychic - UK.
