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What is proofreading and why would you need it doing?
A proofreader has to check proofs carefully to ensure that any work a copy editor has undertaken has been incorporated by the typesetter. Of course, a proofreader could be working 'blind' on a manuscript (or typescript, as a typed word processed document should strictly be called), which hasn't been supplied with the copy editor's corrected typescript. Specific things a proofreader will be looking for include:
The above list is not exhaustive, but they are the very reasons why you should have your work checked over by a qualified professional proofreader. You may identify some errors within a document, but a meticulous proofreader will ensure that the typescript is word-perfect!
When mistakes are found, the proofreader will mark them with the appropriate proofreading marks or symbols as recommended by the British Standards Institution in BS526 part 2. The proofreader may also keep a separate list of queries (e.g. concerning facts or statistics of doubtful accuracy) to raise with the copy editor and/or the author.
A proofreader will check typescripts after a copy-editor and still find mistakes. Can you afford to send out documents with errors and look unprofessional?
Top Typing can proofread your documents and make the amendments for you.
Just for fun, take a look at the following text. I have deliberately inserted a number of mistakes. See how many you can find, then take a look at the subpage 'Proofreading Skills' for the answers. You may be surprised at the mistakes you don't spot! Gloria swept her long blonde hare into a pony tale before rushing downstairs to pick up the male. She hurridly opened the letter, eager to get the results off her exams. It was disapointing. She stared at the peace of paper in her hands in disbeleaf. All that effort - waisted. All them evenings spent revising when her frends where out enjoying themselves. How could she have faled so miserabley. What would she tell her parent's? Well, one thing was certin. She wasnt goint to get that job at the soliciters now.
The telephone rung. She walked slowley, hoping it would stop before she reeched it. "Hello Gaynor. Have you had the post yet.' It was the last voice she wanted to here. "Hello, Mum. No, not yet," she lyed. The conversation trailed of and they sayed there goodbyes. Oh well. There's always that new hairdressing plaice opened up onthe high street. Theyll be looking for someone to brush up, she thought. She ran her fingers through her hair, picking up her latest copy of Chit Chat. And, she thought, maybe they could do something with this awful bob I got done last week
Good luck - now go to the 'Proofreading Skills' page for the corrected version.
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