Proofreading in five words
I’ve been thinking about the publishing process and how a proofreader can add value. Those considering employing a proofreader probably want to know what qualities or attributes the proofreader brings.
One way to approach this is to focus on key words. It’s common for CVs to contain certain words that grab attention as they summarise the skills, qualifications and experience of the individual. Using this idea, I came up with five words connected with proofreading.
1. Concentration
2. Focus
3. Eye for detail
4. Methodical
5. Judgement
I expect that many more words could be added to the list, but let’s just focus on these ones for now.
Concentration
It’s vital that a proofreader can sustain concentration over long periods of time. While every project is different, there will usually be several hours over the course of a day spent concentrating on one document.
Focus
This is what you might call ‘zooming in’ on something. Proofreaders often have a checklist that they work through. This allows them to focus on specific areas one at a time, for example checking footnotes, headers or page numbers.
Eye for detail
Noticing the elements that are missing or incorrect is key. People with an eye for detail will spot whether a piece of punctuation is italic when it shouldn’t be, or that the numbers in a table are out of alignment. There’s much more to it than spotting typos though! It’s also important to notice whether the style and formatting is consistent throughout a document. Proofreaders will usually be given a style sheet or style guide to refer to.
Methodical
Proofreaders need to be methodical because they are the last line of defence. They implement the final part of the process before a text makes it way into the world. A proofreader will work systematically through a document, often using a checklist, to ensure the final version is in excellent shape.
Judgement
It is crucial not to change things unnecessarily – the proofreader needs to apply common sense and good judgement. Once a text is in its final layout, changes should only be made if it is absolutely necessary. It’s important to remember that any amendments at this stage could have an impact on the page layout. A proofreader will know when it’s appropriate to raise a query with the author or the project manager.
I hope that by focusing on these five words I have been able to explain in a little more detail some of the skills and attributes of proofreaders. The proofreader’s role is very important in the publishing process. They help to make sure that documents are accurate, free from errors and ready for their audience.