How to Be a Proofreader

Proofreaders are a publication's last defense again typos and other errors.

The task of proofreading occurs toward the end of the publishing process, just before final publication. Because many eyes have seen the content at this point, a good proofreader must consider this when reviewing the pages, respecting decisions made by previous reviewers about usage and style and making changes only when absolutely necessary. Despite the restraint necessary to be a good proofreader, every writer, no matter how good, has been saved by a proofreader's eagle eye.

Instructions

1. Earn a college degree. The vast majority of proofreading jobs require a bachelor's degree in English, journalism or publishing. If you intend to proofread content in a specific subject, a degree in that subject would be appropriate.

2. Volunteer to review documents for local organizations to acquire the requisite experience needed in any proofreading job. This direct experience provides an education on its own, helping you identify various writing styles so that you can become familiar with those styles and know what's appropriate and what is not.

3. Enroll in a proofreading certification course that gives accreditation in the type of proofreading you intend to do. For example, EEI Communications (eeicom.com) offers a two-day comprehensive proofreading training program that covers everything from learning proofreading marks to avoiding common proofreading mistakes.

4. Join professional organizations geared toward the publication revision process. Such memberships will provide networking and professional development opportunities in addition to leads to potential clients or employers. For example, the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders, and Indexers (afepi.ie) and the Society for Technical Communications (stc.org) can keep you up to date on current industry trends and put you in touch with people or organizations seeking proofreading assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• Breaking into any business can be difficult. Persistence and confidence will help you obtain your first proofreading assignment.

• Avoid confusing copyediting with proofreading. Copyediting is done earlier in the publishing process, and it is a different task altogether. Proofreading usually entails comparing the copyediting edits with the final proof to ensure that all edits were incorporated. In addition, the proofread is a comprehensive final read-through of the content that ensures no mistakes have been introduced during the publishing process and all components of a publication are present and correct.

References

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Editing and Proofreading
• Grammar Girl: Proofreading Tips
• WritingCareer.com: What is Freelance Proofreading?

Resources

• EEI Communications: Comprehensive Proofreading Training
• Society for Technical Communication