About Dean
I am a freelance proofreader who works mostly on non-fiction books for publishers and technical documents for organisations. I have a keen eye for spotting typos and inconsistencies in presentation, and can also suggest changes to improve the wording of your text so that your final product is clear and accurate.
My main specialism is chemical engineering, which I studied at degree level, and related fields such as materials science, physics and maths. I have also proofread numerous books about urban planning, architecture and photography in particular, as well as others on social policy, health and safety, education, art, football and rugby league. My other specialisms include rock and indie music, hiking, and angling.
I have experience of working on screen and on paper. For on screen work, I use the comment tools in Adobe Reader to mark up PDFs, and track changes to amend Microsoft Word files. I mark up changes to paper proofs by using the BSI proofreading symbols.
Please send me an email if you would like to work with me, and we can then discuss your project.
Media
Books, illustrated books, multi-author books, technical documents.
Experience
Freelance since 2014.
Training
- Word for practical editing (CIEP) 2021
- Brush up your grammar (SfEP) 2018
- Proofreading progress (SfEP) 2014
- Basic proofreading by distance learning (Publishing Training Centre) 2012
Clients
- Scheidegger & Spiess/Park Books
- Bristol University Press
- Pitch Publishing
- Lloyd's Register
- Taylor & Francis
- Keystroke Typesetting
- Charlesworth Publishing Services
Subjects
- chemical engineering
- maths
- physics
- photography
- architecture
- urban planning
- football
- angling (coarse)
- hiking
- rock and indie music
Qualifications
MEng Chemical Engineering
Testimonials
Christ & Gantenbein collaborated with Dean Drake on two significant architectural publications. Throughout both ventures, Dean has consistently proven to be an exceptionally reliable and highly skilled partner, leading the proofreading efforts. With attention to detail and sensitivity, he has greatly contributed to achieving the highest possible quality for a wide range of text-based content. Dean navigates complexities with ease, showcasing flexibility and professionalism. We wholeheartedly endorse Dean as a valuable asset to any project or team.
Christ & Gantenbein, Basel
Dean has done a number of proofreading assignments for our architecture and art titles and his work has always been impeccable, even for our most complicated projects. He has a great eye for detail and an excellent sense for the level of intervention needed from case to case. His communication with us and the authors is seamless, and he's a joy to work with. We hope to keep him onboard as a proofreader for many more books to come.
Lisa Schons, desk editor, Scheidegger & Spiess/Park Books
Dean has completed several proofreading assignments for us. From the very start he demonstrated an excellent eye for detail and completed even our more complicated projects to an exceptionally high standard. I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most thorough proofreaders I have ever worked with. Dean is also a great communicator and has delivered every assignment to the agreed deadline.
Client in the engineering sector
Dean has completed a number of proofreading jobs for me, and his work is never short of excellent. His eye for detail is superb, his author queries insightful, and the work is always returned on time. I can’t recommend Dean’s services highly enough.
Hannah Ewing, production editor, Taylor & Francis
Dean is an exceptionally good proofreader and one of the best I have worked with in my five years at Taylor & Francis. His work is always thorough and skilful, his communication and time-keeping are excellent, and he’s a pleasure to work with.
Alanna Donaldson, senior production editor, Taylor & Francis
I have commissioned Dean on numerous occasions and his work has always been of a high standard. In addition, every job has been delivered on time and within budget.
Dean Rockett, Pitch Publishing
Dean has worked for Keystroke for many years and I speak for us all when I say that his work is to the highest standard. He is a great communicator and always works to budget and keeps to the schedule! What more could we want?!
Maggie Lindsey-Jones, Keystroke Typesetting
Service
Specialisms
Disclaimer note
The CIEP Directory of Editorial Services should be considered a point of first contact and prospective clients must satisfy themselves that members are capable of the work on offer. The Institute cannot be held responsible for the quality of work provided by any member listed in the directory. The members themselves are responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of their entries in the Directory and the CIEP has not made any attempt to vet them. The institute cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the Directory. Inclusion in the Directory as a freelance does not necessarily mean that the member is self-employed as defined by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions.