Proofreading

Description

Checking proofs of formatted, edited material for adherence to design and for minor, mechanical errors in copy (such as spelling mistakes or small deviations from style sheet). Notes: Proofs are to be read in isolation and a style sheet will not be provided. “Proofreading” is often loosely used to include copy editing and other tasks. It is not so used in this order. These other tasks must be specified or ordered separately.

An editor may draw your attention to:

• Words or sentences that are extraneous or overused;
• Run-on sentences;
• Redundancies from repeating the same information in different ways;
• Dialogue or paragraphs that can be tightened;
• Scenes where the action is confusing or the author’s meaning is unclear due to bad transitions;
• Tonal shifts and unnatural phrasing;
• Passages that don’t read well due to bland language use;
• Confusing narrative digressions;
• Changes that can be made to improve the pacing of a passage;
• Words or phrases that may clarify or enhance your meaning.