Do I need a proofreader?
Yes! Have you ever read a book and discovered a mistake? Or maybe you have received a business letter with an incorrect spelling or misplaced apostrophe? If so, you will know that errors can reflect badly on the author or organisation.
Everyone makes mistakes and it is always more difficult to spot your own which is why having a fresh pair of eyes look over your work can make all the difference. A professional proofreader knows what to look out for to make sure that your final copy is error-free.
What is proofreading?
Simply put, proofreading is a final check prior to publication, whether in print or online, to remove any remaining mistakes.
Proofreading takes place after all editing is complete and provides a last quality check before publication to ensure that a document, manuscript or other piece of writing is free from errors.
NB If I have edited your manuscript, I may not be the right professional to proofread. I am likely to be as familiar with your work as you are, and a different individual may be better for the final check.
What kinds of texts require proofreading?
Any text that is going to be read by someone else should be checked for errors, from a simple notice in a shop window through to a full length novel.
Reasons to employ a proofreader:
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- You are an indie author
- To check your manuscript prior to submitting to an agent
- You lack confidence with spelling, grammar and punctuation
- English is not your first language
- It matters to get it right (ie presentation of your dissertation)
What kind of errors do you correct when proofreading?
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- Spelling mistakes and typos
- Consistency of spelling and hyphenation
- Consistency of style
- Punctuation errors
- Page numbering
- Headings (font, size and style)
- Correct captions on pictures and tables
- Text alignment and spacing