Proofreading and Copyediting
Proofreading is the process of reading text in order to detect and correct any errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar.
While normally performed at the ‘proof’ stage, or after copy has initially been set in type, proofreading can be performed at any stage of the writing process prior to publication of the material. Moreover, in today’s Internet environment, proofreading is primarily done ‘on screen’ in lieu of on paper.
How do proofreaders work?
The term proofreading is often confused with copy editing, even though there is some overlap between the two activities. Proofreading deals with checking for typos and formatting errors, copy editing goes much further and is primarily an editing function that may also involve proofreading. Today’s proofreaders sometimes also perform some light copy editing such as checking for grammatical errors and consistency. Thus, the overlaps. Here are some handy tips for successful proofreading:
- Always have a healthy sense of doubt. If you are proofreading your own copy, double-check for the errors you know that you often make.
- Read slowly and perhaps even out loud. Read one word at a time.
- Read what is actually set down on the page, not what you believe to be there. This is difficult to do, particularly if you are proofing your own copy.
For accurate proofreading, don’t assume anything. Unconscious errors are easy to make. Professional editors proofread as often as ten times just to be sure they have caught every error and mistakes still slip through. Some magazine publishers insist upon a second-editing policy where two people read the proof and then the managing editor does so too.
What are proofreading marks?
Proofreading marks are a set of special symbols used to indicate changes to be made, deletions and other errors in the copy. These were initially created to help copy editors communicate their changes to typesetters, but today’s proofreaders use a nearly identical set. There is no need to memorize them all; most users merely paste a chart for quick ready-reference in the area where they work.
Why are proofreading marks necessary?
Even if you do most of your work on a computer or word processor, hard copies are certainly not obsolete. Some errors are much more apparent on paper than they are on screen. The proofreading marks serve to enhance consistency and avoid miscommunication. They also save time and reduce frustration by taking the eye right to the place some change must be made. Standard proof symbols offer a graphic system that says a lot in very-small spaces.
Where do proofreaders find employment?
Many proofreaders work at worldwide publishing companies and other media organizations as salaried employees. However, today, thanks to the rapid growth of Internet publishing, a significant number function as freelancers or independent contractors. There are websites on the Internet designed expressly to serve outsource buyers of proofreading, editing and copywriting services and freelance providers of these services. The buyers post their projects on the website where providers can then review the projects requirements and then place their bids to handle it. This means more available proofreading business for the freelancers. It also gives the buyers an opportunity to select the best provider and price without having to load their staffs with permanent employees and employee benefit costs.
