PROOFREADING
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is a quality check and tidy-up of the final text proof. A proofreader looks for consistency in usage and presentation, and accuracy in text, images and layout. When proofreading, I will:
Compare the proofs to the edited copy, line by line or reading 'blind'.
Check page numbers and page headings.
Check the table of contents against chapter titles, page numbers and endmatter – appendices, index, etc.
Ensure consistent styles of spellings and hyphenation particularly – by following a style guide, if supplied, or compiling my own.
Watch out for omissions and inconsistencies in typography, layout and content.
Judge the need for changes in view of the budget and schedule.
Identify necessary changes and mark the proof (on paper or screen) using British Standards Institution (BSI) marks or another agreed method. I can key corrections to an InDesign or Word document, if required, or mark up comments on a PDF file.
Check or insert cross-references where appropriate.
Eliminate inelegant or confusing word, column and page breaks, with each other and with the text.
Ensure that illustrations, captions and labels correspond: Spotting misquotations, errors of fact, misspelt names, misused words, numbers that don't add up and incomplete references.
Check that content looks right and is logically arranged.
Liaise with the author(s) to resolve queries or advise the client.
Collate the author's changes with others including their own, rationalising or querying conflicting instructions.
When proofreading, care, judgement, skill, knowledge and experience are used to check that the work of the writer/editor and designer/typesetter is satisfactory.
