Proofreading is fundamental, especially for writers submitting books to publishers that will print hundreds of thousands of copies for purchase. Even the smallest of errors can prove embarrassing and costly, as in the example below. Can you find the error? I actually checked this book out from the library, so you can imagine how many others bought this book and discovered this simple proofreading error that someone should have caught before printing.
Did you catch the error? Right there in the header, big and bold, "Bueiness" appears instead of "Business." Remember, editors are not necessarily the best proofreaders. Editing and proofreading are two different skill sets that often require two different people to complete, especially for book-length projects. Editing involves rewriting, revising and rearranging, but proofreading is the very last step of the writing process that often goes overlooked.
After the editor has line edited each sentence and paragraph for structural or organizational issues, and has deemed the publication ready for print, the proofreader comes along to correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage and formatting. The onus of error-free writing falls on the proofreader, since he or she is the last person to review the document.
Therefore, instead of assuming the copy editor will discover and correct every single mistake before printing, hire an experienced proofreader with superior editing skills. The additional money spent on a proofreader will be well worth the investment in the long run.
If you want to become a trained proofreader to assist people in producing error-free writing, join The Proofreading Power Academy. Get your copy of Proofreading Power: Skills & Drills or enroll in the Proofreading Power Essentials online course to assess your aptitude for proofreading. If you are looking for an experienced proofreader for your next high-stakes writing project, consider Ashan R. Hampton's freelance proofreading and copyediting services.
Visit www.startproofreadingnow.com to jump-start your proofreading career!
Ashan R. Hampton is a long-time English instructor turned entrepreneur. Through her company, Onyx Online Education & Training, she offers digital courses and print books on grammar, proofreading, business writing and communication for personal and professional development to individuals and corporations. To find out more about Ashan's work, visit www.arhampton.com.