Proofreading is an extensive work that is frequently compared with the editing task. When we develop and draft content, it contains multiple errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, and incorrect paragraph structuring. It is because a writer fails to see these mistakes while writing and focuses on completing the article. This content requires both editing and proofreading before it is presented to the target audience.

In the publishing industry, editing and proofreading are two separate tasks which are nowadays, often considered to be the same and are used interchangeably. An excellent editor is also capable of proofreading the manuscript. However, it would be a mistake to consider that the work of editing and proofreading are alike. A script is ready only after proofreading.

Is proofreading well understood? And what do proofreading services cover?

We all have acted the role of proofreaders from our school days when we handed over our answer scripts to our respective teachers. The practice of reviewing our answer papers to assure and confirm that all the questions have been attempted and there is no error before the submission is also proofreading. This is precisely wh professional proofreaders do before final submission for print, application, or publication for jobs and other distinguished literary work.

A script is passed on in the form of a final presentation for proofreading after editing.

Proofreading services refer to re-examining the article to spot the errors if there are any and check for –

•         Correct indexing,
•         Missing pages,
•         Line and word spacing,
•         Paragraph structure,
•         Repetition of words and paragraphs, and
•         Check with the writer of the cover page.

It is only after the proofreading services are covered that the script is ready for publication or submission. The content reaching the proofreading stage is considered to contain fewer errors as it has been edited and corrected in the earlier stages. Professional proofreaders confirm with the writer of his message and idea to make the draft target the mass audience.

Two rounds of Proofreading

Usually, two rounds of proofreading are carried out in the publication process. 

•         In this first round of editorial proofreading, the edited copy is proofread for any discrepancies and mistakes which rarely happen on the editor’s end. This stage is to put on the additional texts that the editor has missed out or omitted which is not required after checking with the author. It calls for checking for errors in style, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

The proofreader will send the copy back for the corrections to be made which is usually done by the typesetter and compositor. Proofreaders will incorporate all the details in this stage.

•         The second stage is the final stage where the file is again proofread for examining that all the things are in order before approving for print or release. The author receives a copy of the file awaiting his final approval. And the text is ready to be in the hands of the audience.

Why is proofreading services in demand?

Checking and availing services online become easy in the world of technology. There is no scope for ignoring and overlooking even a minute mistake because nothing and no one escapes from it. People nowadays with the help of advanced technology prefer to have the comfort of availing all the services with just one click on the internet.

Potential companies are losing out on clients because of their advertisements on social platforms. Online marketing is successful only when the content is attracting clients and increases the number of views and positive reviews from them. Bad writing disappoints the customers and ends up drifting away. This is where proofreading services are called for.

It provides:

•         Clarity- A Company knows very well what to convey to its audience but only when it comes to services and not with words. Proper structuring and accurate writing skill may help reach the message to the customers. Proofreaders are experts in this field.
•         Charm- Professional writing always attracts potential clients that help in enhancing the business that gives your company the edge over others because it is all about professionalism.
•         Saves energy and time- Hiring professional proofreaders instead of thinking to do by yourself saves time and energy that promises to deliver quick results.

The internet is filled with professional online proofreading services that are easily available. Many times, the writer chooses to proofread his work by himself which turns out to be a blunder because even after reading his content many times, he may not be able to spot the errors and end up causing inconvenience after it is in the hands of the masses.

It has become tougher to fool the public now with access to the internet where every piece of information is available there. Proofreaders assure to attract the right audience for the brands to avoid embarrassment and make profits. Proofreading jobs are high in demand and are paid handsomely.

Know how to start as a proofreader

There are two kinds of people –

1.       First are those who do not want to spend money on professional proofreading services and do it on their own.
2.       And second is for those who want to take up a proofreading job and start their online proofreading services.

There are a few major criteria to start as a proofreader  :

•         Patience – proofreaders need to go through content multiple times and that requires a lot of patience. One reading may not help you spot all the errors in one go. Re-examine your article with a fine toothcomb to find mistakes.
•         Excellent command of the language – it is vital to master the language before stepping on it. Knowledge of language and correct usage of it can enrich the readability of the whole content. It is equally essential to be well-versed with the writing style guide of the Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press Stylebook.
•         Communication skill – excellent communication skill is needed to communicate both with the writer to understand his ideas and message as well as with the co-workers to deliver the instructions correctly.

If you think that you have fulfilled the criteria then there are a few tricks to start as a proofreader:

•         Start proofreading from the end. This will present the content with a different approach. 
•         Cover the lines next to what you are reading so that the concentration remains in that specific line and does not get swayed elsewhere.
•         Know where your strong and weak points are in writing.  It is easy to detect errors. 
•         Find the repeated mistake.
•         Don’t write and proofread, both at the same time. It will not give you a clear picture of the mistakes in the content.
•         Learn from mistakes. Proofreading is not a one-day job for beginners. It takes time to excel at it.
•          Highlight the punctuation marks so that you can proofread it again for errors.
•         Try reading the texts slowly so that you understand the tone and meaning of them.
•         Ask someone else to review your work.
•         Read your work several times to produce content free from error.

If all these also do not help then there are online proofreading services available that you can anytime hire to save time and energy on your content, while you still learn to master proofreading skills.

FAQs on Proofreading

1.       What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final step in the editing process. It involves reviewing the document to find errors in grammar, punctuation, formatting, and spelling.

2.       Why is proofreading important?

Proofreading is essentially important to avoid having a negative impact on the credibility of the organization, firm, or author. The audience always prefers a well-proofread article to enjoy reading and get the message of the writing.

3.       What should I look for as a proofreader?

Errors in punctuation, grammar, typos, spelling and formatting are the details you should spot while proofreading. Check for consistency in terms of style, formatting and tone in a document in proofreading.

4.       How to proofread effectively?

•         A careful reading of the document is the first step in the process
•         After a normal read, try to read the document backward or loudly, it becomes easier to spot the errors this way
•         Take breaks in between the reading
•         Rest your eyes frequently so that when you go back to proofreading it does not stress you out
•         Proofreading is mental work more than physical so try staying away from distractions

 

5.       Should I hire a professional for proofreading or proofread myself?

 It is an ideal choice to do both. You should proofread your work first before considering someone else to do it. After you have proofread, you can now pass the document to a professional for the work because since it is your writing, you are completely familiar with the writing and very less chance of spotting the error. Proofreading by a professional brings fresh eyes to the writing.

6.       How is proofreading different from editing?

 Proofreading mainly focuses on spotting errors in punctuation, grammar, spelling and syntax. Editing on the other hand covers a broader scene like rewriting sentences, clarifying and reorganizing. To know more read Copyediting.

7.       What are the common mistakes that most proofreaders commit?

•         Ignore inconsistency
•         Miss spell check
•         Check for the apostrophe in the right position
•         Syntax correction
•         Overlook the use of double words
•         Comma splices, fragments, and run-on sentences

 

8.       How much do proofreaders earn on an average?

Depending on the qualification, experience, location, and industry, a proofreader on an average earns between 1 lakh and 6 lakhs annually.

9.       Can software tools replace human proofreaders?

 Certain software tools like spellchecker, grammar checker, etc are useful and come handy in proofreading. However, these applications are not 100% reliable and may commit mistakes in their work. Software tools can never match human eyes and brains to pose a threat to human proofreaders.

10.   Which platforms are good to start as a proofreader?

  You can start as a freelancer by registering on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, SkillMonde and many others which you can search online. 

Register as a freelancer/client