Since even the smallest error can cost big bucks, thorough proofreading is of utmost importance for workplace professionals, writers, editors, and anyone tasked with handling important written documents. Although many balk at the idea of proofreading a document three times, double-checking the following elements during each pass can save lots of frustration and money, especially on book-length projects.
Proofreading Checklist for Error Correction
First Review: Check Formatting
Headings, subheadings and headlines
Headers and footers
Page numbers
Font style and font size
Spacing: between sentences, words, and around the page
Chapter titles, book titles, article titles, author names
Alignment: paragraphs, bullet points, numbered or alpha lists
Legal or other disclaimers; copyright statements
Table of contents: page numbers in TOC must match chapter pages
Index: consistently use lowercase or title case; index entry page numbers must match their location in the document text
Second Review: Images & Graphics
Photographs
Illustrations/cartoons
Company/Business logos
Graphics: charts and tables
Captions: correct text and alignment; description accurately identifies image
Image clarity and readability
Wording on or around images: typos or misspellings
Third Review: Body Text
Grammar errors
Spelling errors
Typos; missing words
Numbers
Proper names
Telephone numbers
Quick Proofreading Exercise
Can you find any errors?
Miss Anne R. Taylor (704) 883-3227
Miss Anne R. Taylor (704) 833-3227
Discover how to get started in proofreading with our proofreading books and online courses. Sharpen your proofreading skills with more challenging exercises! To get started as a proofreader, take the online proofreading class, Proofreading Power: Become an Effective Proofreader. Also, purchase your copy of "Proofreading Power: Skills & Drills". For a full list of resources that focus on becoming a professional proofreader, visit the website: www.startproofreadingnow.com and download the free proofreading test.
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.
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