Who
Is Vigilant Proofreader?
Hi, I’m Michael Jarnebro, the vigilant eyes behind Vigilant Proofreader. I specialize in copyediting and proofreading fiction and nonfiction books, helping authors refine their craft and share their stories with clarity and confidence.
Armed with degrees in philosophy, political science, and international studies—plus a nugget of law school—I’ve spent years honing my analytical skills and love for language. My experience as a paralegal and law clerk taught me the value of precision. Proofreading and copyediting became my favorite part of every task, turning what began as a skill into a career.
Why “Vigilant Proofreader”? Like the owl in my logo, I pride myself on being sharp-eyed and watchful—ever alert to the dangers of misplaced modifiers and wayward grammar. I created this business not only to support myself and my family but also to sharpen my writing skills, which are constantly evolving in an industry as fluid as language itself.
I believe in the wisdom of knowing the rules of writing—so you can decide when to break them. If you’re ready to polish your words to perfection, let’s collaborate and make your work shine.
Rates
Proofreading - for correct writing
Checking for consistency and correctness in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, capitalization, and style. This does NOT include the specific items nested under Copyediting.
Fiction: $0.015 per word ($15 for 1,000 words)
Nonfiction: $0.02 per word ($20 for 1,000 words)
Copyediting - for clear writing
Fact-checking questionable references, rewording for readability, and ensuring a consistent voice and the author’s intended meaning. This includes proofreading, double-checking internet source citations, and cleaning up notes (footnotes, endnotes, and bibliography).
Fiction: $0.025 per word ($25 for 1,000 words)
Nonfiction: $0.03 per word ($30 for 1,000 words)