Proofreading
Proofreading is an acquired skill, not a talent. It traditionally requires reading text in order to locate and correct any errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
In the editorial environment, proofreading is usually done by reading copy in the proof stage after typesetting, thus the name. The proof is then returned to the typesetter for corrections. Proofreading is considered by many to be a skill that must be learned because it is natural for the mind to want to correct mistakes. Editors and professional proofreaders mark-up their corrections using proof correction marks such as those shown in style manuals.
Proofreading is technically different than copy-editing
Most people think proofreading and copy-editing is the same thing. Technically, copy-editing overlaps proofreading, but includes correcting grammar and usage in addition to spelling and punctuation. Pure proofreading is reviewing text and checking for typos and formatting errors against an original document.
Proofreading technical documents requires special skills
When the textual material being proofread is based on technology that uses specific technical terms, an understanding of these terms and how they are spelled is necessary in addition to normal proofreading skills. This usually requires some education or at least extensive reading and a basic understanding of the science involved. For example, proofreading documents on medicine, biology, engineering, physics, geology or other such technical fields will bring the proofreader in contact with terms that would otherwise be about as decipherable as Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Use of proofreading marks is standard fare
Proofreaders’ marks are a combination of symbols and short notations that are utilized to ‘mark up’ drafts and typeset pages. This is done either when copy editing material prior to typesetting and/or when proofing typeset materials. Despite the widespread use of computers for typesetting and desktop publishing, proofreader’s marks are still in use today. Their purpose is twofold: To provide consistency and to avoid miscommunication. They have proven to be valuable for saving time and reducing frustration.
In the publishing world, most copy drafts are double-spaced for both easier readability and to provide a place where proofreaders and copy editors can indicate corrections and changes with proofreading marks.
Many publishers outsource their proofreading projects
Today there is a significant amount of publishing being carried out by Internet publishers of articles, blogs, e-books and other materials. Like traditional publishers, these organizations also need copy to be edited and proofread to ensure accuracy. As a result, many of these proofreading and copy-editing assignments are outsourced to Internet providers who bid for projects on websites that specialize in serving outsource buyers and providers. There is also a good deal of work available to freelance providers who specialize in working with website copy that includes specialized keyword usage to achieve search engine directory rankings.
While programs like Spellcheck are on virtually every computer and serve as a rough indication of errors, they cannot replace the accuracy provided by human eyes gifted at editing and proofreading. These programs are also somewhat unreliable when faced with technical terms and acronyms not found in their resident dictionary software programs.
