What is proofreading?
Many people use the term proofreading when they mean light copyediting. Proofreading (also known as verification editing) is the final stage of the editing process. Proofreading is performed after the copyedit and after design or typesetting.
Don't be fooled into thinking that a copyedit is all your publication will need. Proofreading can prevent expensive and embarrassing mistakes. Proofreading is essential.
When I proofread, I ensure all elements of the document are included and are in the proper order, all amendments have been inserted, the house or other chosen style has been followed, any spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected, the format and layout are consistent and the document is ready to be printed. A proofread includes:
Verification of copy
Checking against previous copy for any discrepancies
Checking that all amendments have been inserted accurately
Integrity check
Checking that the document is complete, including:
Checking headings, pagination, figures and tables against the table of contents
Proofing
Checking for spelling, typographical and punctuation errors
Checking that word breaks at line ends are appropriate
Checking for accuracy of cross-references
Conformity with house style or style sheet
Ensuring consistency in:
Checking page layout
Format
Eliminating any widows, orphans or rivers
Checking that tables are not split, and that alignment, spacing and use of bold are correct
Noting any necessary directions for the typesetter and printer
Don't be fooled into thinking that a copyedit is all your publication will need. Proofreading can prevent expensive and embarrassing mistakes. Proofreading is essential.
When I proofread, I ensure all elements of the document are included and are in the proper order, all amendments have been inserted, the house or other chosen style has been followed, any spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected, the format and layout are consistent and the document is ready to be printed. A proofread includes:
Verification of copy
Checking against previous copy for any discrepancies
Checking that all amendments have been inserted accurately
Integrity check
Checking that the document is complete, including:
- preliminary matter (such as title page, letter of transmittal, foreword, table of contents, lists of illustrations and tables, preface, acknowledgements
- body of the document (text, tables, illustrative material, labels and captions, footnotes and endnotes)
- end matter (appendixes, lists of abbreviations and symbols, glossary, references/bibliography, index)
Checking headings, pagination, figures and tables against the table of contents
Proofing
Checking for spelling, typographical and punctuation errors
Checking that word breaks at line ends are appropriate
Checking for accuracy of cross-references
Conformity with house style or style sheet
Ensuring consistency in:
- terminology, spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation, abbreviations and acronyms, italics
- heading hierarchies
- style of numbers, dates, percentages, symbols, equations
Checking page layout
Format
Eliminating any widows, orphans or rivers
Checking that tables are not split, and that alignment, spacing and use of bold are correct
Noting any necessary directions for the typesetter and printer