When you’re writing something for school or a job, you may get asked to proofread it. But, what is proofreading, and how do you do it? Surprisingly, it’s not as hard as you might think; and, you’ve probably already done it before.
You can think of proofreading as editing. A proofreader reviews a written work for grammar, formatting, and spelling errors. They’ll also ensure it’s consistent and reads well.
Proofreading stages are essential when writing. There’s more to know about it than that, though, so keep reading.
Who Takes Care of Proofreading?
Many writers handle proofreading on their own. They might do so by using an editing tool or reading over their work a couple of times. But, it’s also a job that can get outsourced to a different person.
Professional copyeditors are the people who proofread for a living. They might work as a freelancer or at an agency or publication. Some editors work alone, while others are on teams.
If you’re interested in proofreading as a career, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in English or Journalism. You can gain experience by freelancing or interning. Working as an editorial assistant helps as well.
Who Needs a Proofreader?
Every written and published work needs to get reviewed. That means every writer needs a proofreader! They can work with newspapers, marketing agencies, publishers, universities, and more.
What Are Must-Have Proofreading Skills?
While it might sound simple, proofreading isn’t something that just anyone can do. There are some specific skills required to get the job done. Some of them include:
- Thorough understanding of grammar and spelling
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Time-management
- Sharp attention to detail
- Fact-checking
It also helps to be a strong writer. When you know how to write well, you’re often already familiar with proper formatting and English syntax. Some proofreaders even rewrite sections of written works themselves, so the skill is a must-have.
Proofreading Tips That Can Help
Not everyone is born a natural proofreader. But, there are some proofreading tips to know that’ll help you improve.
Use a Tool or Service
Proofreading is like a quality control inspection. Ensure everything that passes by you is high-quality by taking advantage of online tools or services. While you should know how to edit on your own, using those can help you catch the minor errors you may have missed.
Read Out Loud
As you’re proofreading, you might read inside your head. It’s better to read out loud, though. When you hear yourself read, you’ll catch anything awkward or wrong with ease.
Step Away and Come Back
After a while, it’s easy to get lost in whatever you’re trying to proofread. But, when that happens, you could miss a few errors. Try leaving it and coming back later to give your eyes and brain a break.
What is Proofreading? Now You Know
So, what is proofreading? It’s a necessary stage in the writing process involving reviewing written works for errors. Now that you know what it is, you can try it yourself!
If you’re interested in more proofreading advice, look around our website.