Recent Project and Job Topics > Writing and Editing
Proof Reading
Proof reading is essentially the activity of reading through a document or chart to detect any errors that might be present. Proof readers check for any errors in the text of a document or in the art of the document. As a part of the final stages of the typographic production, proof readers are supposed to be consistent in their accuracy of detecting errors.
Traditional proof reading methods and proof reading services
A proof is copy of the manuscript which is often ridden with a lot of typos created by human errors and by computer bugs usually due to a programming code. A proof reader would provide proof reading service by looking at the changes in the text of the manuscript and then, comparing it to the copy to see any changes visible there too. The proof reader detects any errors or line edits by using proof reader marks. The proofs are then, sent to the graphic artist or the typesetter involved in creating the copy for correction.
Alternative proof reading services
There are several methods employed for proof reading. These are:
- Copy holding: In this method, two copy writers are employed with two sets of the copy and the manuscript. One reads from the original and the other detects the errors, if any and marks them.
- Double reading: In this method, the single proofreader reads through the proof and detects any errors by marking them. It is then, passed onto the next proofreader who follows the same procedure and marks any errors left out by the first proofreader.
- Scanning: In this method, the computerization of proof reading service is used and the computer is involved in detecting any errors that might be present.
What are the style guides used for proof reading?
Proof reading and proof reading services use style guides to aid them. Checklists are also employed with varying degrees of complexities. Guides are provided by the companies that have certain in-house checklist for proof reading. Companies that cater to the professional proof reading services are often required to involve the proof reading style guides and checklists provided by the clients or customers. Although, they have a preset list handy with them from generic proof reading manuals, they refer to all checklists that might be relevant for the client or the customer.
How is proof reading different from copy editing?
Proof reading is different from copy editing as the proof readers do not necessarily have to be very good at editing. The proof readers are mainly involved and rely on the proof reading manuals or the style guides that are given, including the checklists. The proof reader takes care of all error checking in text and art form, whereas, the copy editor, notices discrepancies in the text and rectifies it.
Proof reading is often not considered in the case of mass produced reading materials like newspapers, as it is time-consuming and not at all cost-effective. Proof reading each newspaper, for daily production can be considered impossible and irrelevant.
MBA&Co are online consultants giving information on proof reading techniques on its online web portal. Freelance MBA consultants have an opportunity to browse through our website as we provide proof reading projects that are available. We offer businesses the opportunity to liaise with the best consultants in proof reading at MBA&Co.
