Proofreading Fundamentals

A superb and inexpensive restaurant; fine food expertly served by waitresses in appetizing forms. (Rozakis, 121)

For sale: An antique desk suitable for a man with thick legs and large drawers. (Rozakis, 122)

For sale: Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with a round bottom for efficient beating. (Rozakis, 122)

Instructor: Lisa Overedit@articulatewriting.com

http://resources.articulatewriting.com

Proofreading Fundamentals

1. Proofreading or Editing?2. What is Proofreading?3. Why Proofread?4. Proofreader’s Knowledge5. Proofreading Techniques and Practice6. Proofreading Online7. Working with Copy Editors and Designers

Objectives

Exercise: Place each task into one of two piles —“proofreading” or “editing”

Proofreading or Editing?

Editing Ensures clarity Ensures correct word choice Improves phrasing Improves organization Suggests new approaches and ideas

Proofreading or Editing?

Proofreading Corrects spelling Corrects punctuation Corrects grammar Ensures correct and consistent style Ensures correct and consistent format

Proofreading or Editing?

When do you edit? Editing occurs before a document is set in

type and formattedWhen do you proofread? Proofreading occurs at two separate times

1. After a document is edited Cold Proofing

2. After a document is laid out for printing Proofing Against a Manuscript

Proofreading or Editing?

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading involves careful reading to make sure writing is free from mechanical and grammatical errors.

Inaccuracies and inconsistencies Weaken a writer’s authority Distract and confuse readers Reflect badly on the company or

organization

Why Proofread?

Proofreader's Marks Common Usage and Spelling Errors Grammar and Punctuation Stylebook and Style Sheet When to Stop, Look, and Look Again

Proofreader's Knowledge

Proofreader's Marks◦ “Proofreader’s Marks”◦ Exercise: “Practice with Proofreader’s Marks”◦ Companion Web Site

Proofreader's Knowledge

Common Usage and Spelling Errors◦ Commonly Misspelled Words (PDF)◦ Commonly Confused Words (PDF)◦ Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs (PDF)◦ Common Mistakes (PDF)◦ Companion Web Site

Exercise: Common Usage and Spelling Errors◦ Write a sentence or short paragraph that contains one

or more of the common usage and spelling errors.◦ Switch your paper with a classmate and correct that

paper.

Proofreader's Knowledge

Grammar and Punctuation◦ Rules for Writers 6th edition by Diana Hacker◦ Chicago Manual of Style 16th edition◦ Associated Press Stylebook◦ Homonyms, Homophones, and Homographs (PDF)◦ Grammar Book (PDF)◦ Oxford Online Dictionaries: Better Writing: Gramm

ar◦ Companion Web Site

Proofreader's Knowledge

Stylebook and Style Sheet◦ Chicago Manual of Style 16th edition◦ Associated Press Stylebook◦ Company or Project Style Sheet◦ Companion Web Site

Proofreader's Knowledge

“When to Stop, Look, and Look Again”◦ Companion Web Site

Proofreader's Knowledge

Read Slowly and Read Every Word◦ “Little Lily’s Goldfish”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud

◦ “Little Lily’s Goldfish”◦ “Conversation with a Police Officer”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud Isolate the Text with Opaque Object

◦ “Skydiver”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud Isolate the Text with Opaque Object Read Backwards

◦ “Skydiver”◦ “Plane Trip”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud Isolate the Text with Opaque Object Read Backwards Circle Every Punctuation Mark

◦ “Thirsty Tourist”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud Isolate the Text with Opaque Object Read Backwards Circle Every Punctuation Mark Have Another person Proof with You

◦ “The Parking Ticket”◦ “Beware of Dog”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Read Slowly and Read Every Word Read Out Loud Isolate the Text with Opaque Object Read Backwards Circle Every Punctuation Mark Have Another person Proof with You Put the Project Away for a Few Days Use a Check Sheet and Work in Phases

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

More Practice◦ “Expectant Fathers”◦ “Dead Dog”◦ “Washing the Dog”◦ “A Gift for the Teacher”◦ “The Imposter”◦ “Police Training”◦ “The Old Man and the Drummers”

Proofreading Techniques and Practice

Letter◦ Letter for proof◦ Marked up copy

Resume◦ Resume for proof◦ Marked up copy

Proofreading Online

Follow the project style requirements. Proof according to your check sheet or

assigned tasks. If you find something wrong that is outside

the scope of your job, query the editor or designer.

Working with Copy Editors and Designers

Rozakis, Ph.D, Laurie E. The Complete Idiots Guide to Grammar and Style. Alpha Books, 1997.

Sullivan, K.D. & Eggleston, Merilee. The McGraw-Hill Desk Reference for Editors, Writers, and Proofreaders. McGraw Hill, 2006.

Works Cited