Standards to Expect from Emergency or Last-Minute Work
I appreciate that things don’t always work out timewise, and it’s not infrequent that I’ll get an email or message asking if I can complete some corrections in only a day, or even just a few hours. Whilst I’m happy to do emergency or last-minute work, there are a few things you should bear in mind about the likely standards of any such work that I take on.
The Cons of Emergency Work
Be Realistic
First, you must be realistic. I’m not likely to be able to complete a thesis in less than a day, so emergency work is not likely to be possible for a long document, or if your work needs significant restructuring. It is very unlikely that I will be able to do anything approaching proof-editing, let alone copy-editing, which is why I consider anything less than three days’ notice about work as an emergency job.
There’s No Such Thing as a ‘Quick Check’
Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a ‘quick check’ of your work. If you want a reasonable standard of corrections given the time available, I will need time to go through your work at least once in detail. Even then, because I’m likely to be working under pressure, it’s quite possible that I’ll only spot around 90% of problems, rather than the standards I usually aim for.
Right to Refuse Work
It might well be that I have to refuse your work (though this has only happened in a very small minority of requests for emergency work). I will only do this if either I have a commitment to anther client that will make the completion of your work before your deadline impossible, or the quality of your work is such that this would also make meeting your deadline impossible.
No Second Round of Corrections
If I do emergency work, it is very unlikely that I will be able to do the second round of corrections that I do for non-emergency work. Whilst I will do so if I have the time with regard to my other commitments, I will not guarantee this.
No Guarantee of Meeting Your Deadline
Even if I do take on emergency work, I will not make any guarantee that i will be able to achieve your deadline, and will still charge for any work completed. Whilst I will of course do my best to complete your work, and will not take it on unless I feel that I can complete before your deadline, very occasionally my assessments are incorrect, or more work is needed that is possible in the time available. The risk here is yours.
The Pros of Emergency Work
On the positive side, even if you do submit a piece of work for emergency corrections, there are no extra charges – you pay the same as anyone else would – and you still get the majority of help that I usually offer. The downside is that you get a bit less for the same fee. Because of this, I strongly recommend that you allow at least three days before your deadline for proofreading, allowing you to avoid all of the above.
Summary
With any last-minute or emergency work, you should bear the above in mind. It’s likely best if you can warn me in advance of a potential late submission so I can try to make some time available for you. As ever, if you have questions or concerns, you should feel free to contact me at any time.
