When Style Guides Clash: How I Navigate Author Preferences (as a Fiction Proofreader)

One of the trickiest (and most rewarding) parts of proofreading fiction is finding the sweet spot between stylistic consistency and author voice.

Sometimes, the 'rules' of spelling, punctuation, and grammar don’t quite align with how an author wants their story to sound—and that’s okay. In fact, that’s where I thrive.

So what happens when the 'correct' way clashes with your creative way?

Here’s how I navigate those moments as a fiction-only proofreader.

Style Is a Guideline—Not a Law

There are general conventions most fiction writers follow—like Australian vs. American spelling, using single or double quotes, or when (and how often) to use em dashes.

But fiction isn’t a high school essay. It’s art. And authors often bend the rules on purpose to achieve rhythm, pacing, or tone. Think sentence fragments, creative dialogue formatting, or unusual punctuation for dramatic effect.

I’m not here to stamp that out—I’m here to make it work.

Why I Care About Author Voice

I read a lot of fiction—usually a book a day—and that means I see an incredible range of writing styles, voices, and techniques. From sparse prose to rich, lyrical storytelling, no two authors write the same way.

And that’s exactly what makes fiction so powerful.

When I proofread, I’m not just looking for typos or punctuation errors, I’m listening for your rhythm, your voice, and your style. My goal is to protect that, while helping your story land smoothly on the page.

How I Handle Clashes in Style

Here’s my approach when I spot a clash between what’s technically 'correct' and what feels like your intentional choice:

1. Clarify Style Preferences Early On

If you’ve got a preferred spelling style (e.g., Australian, British, or American), I’ll use that as the foundation. If you’re unsure, I can help guide you based on your setting, target audience, or publisher expectations.

2. Respect the Rhythm

Some authors love em dashes. Others swear by ellipses. Some hate commas. I take note of your patterns and respect them, offering gentle nudges only if something affects flow or readability.

3. Leave Comments, Not Corrections

If something deviates from standard conventions but seems intentional, I’ll leave a friendly note—never a blunt rewrite. You get to make the final call.

4. Prioritise Consistency

You can absolutely break the rules—but ideally, you break them the same way every time. I’ll help make sure you’re not accidentally switching styles (like realise in one chapter and realize in the next).

What I Don’t Do

• I don’t enforce rigid academic or corporate style rules.

• I don’t rewrite your voice to sound 'correct' but lifeless.

• I don’t assume a grammar rule matters more than how your story feels.

Final Thoughts

Fiction isn’t meant to be flawless—it’s meant to feel real. It’s meant to reflect character, emotion, setting, and style.

My job is to enhance that, not erase it.

At Vivid Proofreading, I work with you to ensure your manuscript is polished and professional—without losing what makes it yours.

Ready for a proofread that honours your voice?

Contact me or request a quote and let’s get your story ready for the world.