Proofreader Training

Accuracy is key to being a successful proofreader.

Proofreaders review newspaper, magazine and web articles, book manuscripts and other documents to ensure they are error free. Often, proofreaders are the last individuals to read documents before they go to press or are released to the public, so making sure materials are error free is paramount. Typically, proofreaders verify the accuracy of punctuation, spelling, usage, capitalization and number use. Some proofreaders also review sentence structure and grammar. Although there is no one right way to train to become a proofreader, a self-guided course of study can help you learn the trade.

Things You'll Need

• "The Associated Press Stylebook"
• "The Modern Language Association Handbook"
• "The Chicago Manual of Style"
• "Elements of Style"
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus

Instructions

1. Take college or university-extension proofreading and editing courses. If your schedule doesn't allow for taking traditional classes, investigate online courses.

2. Study "The Associated Press Stylebook," "The Modern Language Association Handbook" and "The Chicago Manual of Style." Although publishers often have their own in-house style guides, you should familiarize yourself with these frequently used style books.

3. Read books on language usage, style and grammar, including "Elements of Style" by William Strunk. Keeping up with the latest books on writing and language will help make you a skilled proofreader.

4. Learn standard proofreading symbols, which proofreaders use to note and correct errors on documents they review.

5. Practice proofreading as much as possible. Proofread books, articles in newspapers and magazines, and even restaurant takeout menus, where you'll often find grammar and spelling mistakes.

6. Purchase books on proofreading, which provide tips and techniques and sometimes include proofreading tests and exercises to hone your skills.

7. Offer to proofread articles, blogs, short stories, essays and reports for your friends. You'll help them become better writers, and they'll help you become a better proofreader.

Tips & Warnings

• When proofreading, eliminate as many distractions as possible. Close your door and clear other projects from your work area. The more you concentrate on just proofreading, the more accurate your work will be.

• Keep important reference books, such as dictionaries and thesauruses, within arm's reach so you won't have to get up frequently to gather resources.

• When you're first learning to proofread, ask a peer to proofread documents you've completed to check your accuracy, or find a seasoned veteran of the trade to review your work.

• Learning how to proofread can help you become a better writer, even if you're not interested in pursuing it as a career. Sloppy or error-filled writing can affect how you come across to others, both in the business world and your day-to-day life.

References

• "Powerful Proofreading Skills"; Debra Smith and Helen Sutton; 1994

Resources

• Texas A&M University Writing Center: Punctuation, Grammar, Style, & Usage --- Twelve Guidelines
• Life Optimizer: How to Focus --- Five Levels of Mental Focus You Might Not Be Aware of