How to Proofread

Proper proofreading skills will help writers improver their craft by catching mistakes during rewrites.

Proofreading is reading over a completed piece of writing and checking for errors. Only a handful of extremely talented writers can produce writing that wouldn't benefit from a proofread and a rewrite. While you can use a spell and grammar check for common mistakes, you need to proofread writing yourself to examine writing style and other errors that only a person could pick up on.

Instructions

1. READ OVER WRITING WITHOUT CHECKING FOR ERRORS. Get a physical copy of the writing that is being proofread, and read over it once or twice to get familiar with it. You could read it off a computer screen, but you will strain your eyes, and it helps to have something in your hands to read.

2. PROOFREAD FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. Having a digital copy of the writing will allow you to check for spelling and grammar errors using a spell check. You should double check though, because some errors might not get recognized. Correct any run-ons, punctuation errors and sentence fragments that you find as you go.

3. PROOFREAD FOR WRITING STYLE after checking for spelling and grammar. Check to see if the sentences flow, if there is enough sentence variety, and make sure to fix any wordiness. Writing style is critical because it is essentially the personality of the piece of writing, so make sure it is as attractive as possible.

4. LET THE WRITING SIT FOR A WHILE, THEN PROOFREAD ONE FINAL TIME. After completely one successful proofread, take a little break to clear your mind and refresh yourself. When you feel up to it, you should do another proofread to see if you missed any errors the first time. If you have the time, perform as many proofreads as you can manage.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can, have someone else proofread the work to get a second opinion. Especially if the writing is yours. This will give you an unbiased review in addition to your own.

• Proofreading is not the time to play favorites. Be as critical as you can be without resorting to character assassination. The writing will benefit from it.