Fact-Checking
Fact-checking that protects your credibility as an author
Readers check books faster than ever. Our fact-checkers verify the names, dates, quotations, figures and claims in your manuscript against reliable sources, and give you a clear report so you can correct errors before publication.
- Verification against reliable, citable sources
- Quotes, dates, figures and attributions checked
- Findings report with source links and suggested corrections
- Flags for claims that need legal or expert review
A single wrong date can cost a book its authority
Non-fiction rests on trust. A reader who finds one mistaken date or misattributed quotation begins to wonder what else is wrong, and in an age of instant online checking that doubt spreads quickly. Fact-checking is how authors protect the work they have put months or years into.
Our fact-checkers go through your manuscript line by line and identify every checkable statement: names and titles, dates and places, statistics, scientific or historical claims, quotations and attributions, and references to organisations, laws and events. Each item is verified against reliable sources, such as primary documents, official records, peer-reviewed research and reputable reference works, rather than whichever page appears first in a search.
You receive a findings report listing what was confirmed, what was corrected and what could not be verified, with links or citations for each point. We do not rewrite your text. We tell you precisely what to change and why. We also flag passages that might raise legal questions, such as statements about living people, so you can seek qualified legal advice. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice.
Why authors choose our fact-checking service
Credibility you can show
A checked manuscript means fewer corrections after publication and more confidence when you speak publicly about your book.
Reliable sourcing
We rely on primary and authoritative sources and record what we used, so you can see exactly how each point was verified.
Quotes and attributions
Famous quotations are often misattributed. We trace them to their earliest reliable source, or tell you when no source can be found.
Numbers that add up
We check statistics for accuracy, context and currency, and flag figures that are out of date or taken out of context.
Clear findings report
Every flagged item comes with a source and a suggested correction, so you can fix problems quickly.
Early warning on sensitive claims
We flag statements about real people or organisations that you may wish to have reviewed by a qualified professional.
What is included
- Line-by-line identification of checkable claims
- Verification against reliable and primary sources
- Checks on quotations, dates, names and titles
- Review of statistics, figures and scientific or historical claims
- Findings report with source links and suggested corrections
- List of items that could not be verified
- Flags for passages you may wish to have legally reviewed
- Written scope and timeline before work begins
Who it is for
- Non-fiction authors in history, science, business, health or current affairs
- Memoirists who want dates, places and public events to be accurate
- Authors using many quotations, statistics or case studies
- Consultants and experts publishing a book that will carry their name
- Authors who have researched heavily and want an independent check
How it works, step by step
Review and scope
We skim your manuscript, estimate the number of checkable claims and agree scope and timeline in writing.
Extract claims
Our checkers list every verifiable statement, from names and dates to figures and quotations.
Verify
Each claim is checked against reliable sources, and the source is recorded alongside the result.
Report
You receive a findings report showing what was confirmed, what needs correcting and what could not be verified.
Follow-up
We answer questions and, if you wish, re-check passages after you revise them.
Ready to start with fact-checking?
Share a few details about your book and we will send a clear, written quote within one working day.
Questions about fact-checking
Do you check fiction?
Sometimes. Historical and contemporary fiction often contains real places, events and details worth verifying. We scope a fiction check around the real-world facts in your story.
What if you cannot verify something?
We list it separately and explain what we tried. You then decide whether to find your own source, reword the statement or remove it.
Do you give legal advice?
No. We can flag statements that may raise legal concerns, such as claims about living people, but you should consult a qualified lawyer about them.
Will you correct my text?
We tell you what to change and why, with sources. You make the changes yourself, or we can combine this service with line editing.
When should I book fact-checking?
After your content is stable, usually after developmental editing and before line editing, so you do not pay to check passages you later cut.
Related services
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Developmental Editing
Big-picture feedback on structure, pacing, argument and character before you polish a single sentence.
Learn more about Developmental Editing -
Line Editing
Sentence-level polish for rhythm, clarity and voice, once the structure of your book is settled.
Learn more about Line Editing -
Proofreading
A final, careful check for typos, punctuation and layout errors before your book goes to print.
Learn more about Proofreading
Looking for background reading? Visit the publishing blog or our platform guides.