Writer Sense

Proofreading

A proofreader may be used at different stages in the production process.

1. In early stages of production a comparison read is done. This involves reading the proof against the copy deck and the designer’s layout to verify that all elements have been placed according to specifications.
2. In subsequent passes the current proof is compared to the preceding proof, ensuring all revisions were made and no new errors occurred.
3. In later stages, final layouts are proofread and the client gives their approval to send the files to the printer.

With many details to focus on, proofreading is completed in numerous passes.

Sensibility and content is considered with a casual scan. The final pass is a careful word by word read to ensure that no typos have been missed. This is important because while reading for content, the eye has a tendency to scan over words and see what it thinks is there.

Only one or two items on the Proofreader’s Checklist will be considered each time. Subsequent passes will involve additional items on the list.

Since every job is different, a good proofreader will maintain a checklist while they read to track unique errors.

Editing

Editing allows for more creative licence than proofreading does.

A copy editor will improve on the flow of the copy, ensuring accuracy and consistency of content. Like a proofreader, they correct spelling errors and grammar but in addition, they remove redundant phrasing and clarify vague statements.

Editing may involve major restructuring and rewriting or simply correcting awkward phrasing.

A good editor can turn off their personal preferences and know intuitively what revisions to make. This is where good writer sense comes into play – being able to spot mistakes and make improvements without losing the personality of the writer.

A perceptive editor will flag important issues that come up while they are reading, rather than incurring additional time to make revisions that may not meet with the approval of the publisher or author.

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