Archive for September, 2010
Top proofreading tips: preserving the writer’s voice
While there are many technical skills required of a good proofreader (from a close knowledge of spelling and punctuation to grammar, structure and a wide variation of linguistic styles) only the very best proofreaders manage to combine these with the ability to preserve the writer's voice. All proofreaders can return a piece of writing completely corrected and improved to a professional standard, but it takes a special knack to keep it sounding as if it was written by the original author. Read our top tips to improve your proofreading today!
Top proofreading tips: what’s the difference between proofreading and copy editing?
The differences between proofreading and copy editing are actually quite straightforward and clear, yet confusion about the difference between these two separate disciplines seems to be extremely widespread. As this is such a commonly asked question, and as this blog refers so frequently to both proofreaders and copy editors, we decided to include a brief article to clearly outline the differences. This blog explains the main duties of a proofreader and a copy editor and should clear up any confusion about which is which!
Top proofreading tips: assessing the typescript
Before starting work on a proofreading job, an initial analysis of the typescript is conducted. This allows the proofreader to gauge the type of editing the text may require, and how thorough a proofread will be necessary. They are then able to provide the client with an estimate of the necessary time for the proofread, as well as to query any inconsistencies or choices the writer may have made. This blog explores top techniques for carrying out a thorough and efficient assessment of the typescript prior to proofreading.
Top proofreading tips: proofreading tables, diagrams and design materials within a text.
Tables may look complex and the first instinct when considering a proofreading job with tables may be to ignore them and simply focus on the text. However it is in fact much easier than you might think to proofread them quickly and effectively for a more complete and thorough edit. For a proofreader or copy editor, coming up against tables and mathematical or design objects within a text for the first time can be a challenge. Follow our top tips for a great proofread of these aspects of a text.
