The work of the proofreader is much more than simply checking punctuation, spelling and grammar.  proofreading also includes of checking through checking that all the necessary parts of the book are present and correct.

Proofreading typescript against author’s copy

In a publishing house, the proofreader begins their work after the author’s manuscript has been typeset.  The author’s manuscript will simply consist of typed A4 pages with the copy editor’s corrections written all over the page, whereas the typescript will be loose pages that look like the finished book, for example:

The proofreader has to check the typescript against the corrected author manuscript, word by word, to make sure that the typesetter has included all the copy editor’s corrections.  If the typesetter has missed some corrections then the proofreader uses British Standards Institution (BSI) proof correction marks to flag these up:

http://www.wordstrengthediting.com/images/ProofreaderMarks.jpg .

Proofreading page numbers

After checking the text, the proofreader will check that all the page numbers are correct.  Preliminary pages will often be numbered using small case roman letters (i, ii, iii, iv, v, and so forth).  The main text then begins on page 1.

The prelims will include the half-title page (which gives the main title of the book and nothing else), a frontispiece, a title page (listing the title, subtitle, the author’s name, the volume number if there is one and the publisher’s name), the copyright page (which is vital), possibly the author’s dedication and acknowledgments pages, a contents list and then any other preliminary matter, for instance, a list of illustrations or maps.  The proofreader will make sure that all these elements are present and in order.

The copyright page is essential and the proofreader will check to make sure that the ISBN number and copyright line are correct.  There will be an assertion of the moral rights of the author or publisher.  There may also be a Library of Congress number, the publisher’s details, the name of the printer and typesetter, and a legal statement.

Proofreading the text

The proofreader will work through the text highlighting any errors and noting any design mistakes for the typesetter to correct.  The proofreader is not expected to do the work of the copy editor, to index the work or to make any changes to page design.

Above all, proofreading requires good concentration and a keen attention to detail.  If you fancy checking your basic proofreading skills you could try the Skillswise test online to see how good your proofreading skills are:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/writing/proofreading/quiz.shtml

Do you want to know more about proofreading?  Post your comments and queries below.