Proofreading
We offer proofreading services for English and German copy.
About proofreading...
Traditionally, an author's text is first copy edited, then typeset by a typesetter and finally printed. Proofreading in this instance means reading the results of the typesetter's work (a proof) and comparing it to the edited manuscript, ensuring that the editorial marks made by the copy editor have been followed by the typesetter.
These days, however, proofreading is often performed 'blind'. This means that the proof is read on its own, without the edited manuscript being available to the proofreader. Nowadays, the medium on which the text will ultimately be seen may also not be paper but a computer screen.
What exactly is my role as a proofreader?
As proofreaders we check that the editor, graphic designer and/or typesetter have each done a satisfactory job. In order to verify this, we read the proof for consistency in usage and layout, for accuracy in the text and references and for typesetting errors. It is important to note, however, that the proofreader only acts as a quality check, making sure that the copy editor or graphic designer or typesetter has not missed something. I am not responsible for overall consistency and accuracy.
As part of a proofreading assignment we usually undertake the following tasks:
About proofreading...
Traditionally, an author's text is first copy edited, then typeset by a typesetter and finally printed. Proofreading in this instance means reading the results of the typesetter's work (a proof) and comparing it to the edited manuscript, ensuring that the editorial marks made by the copy editor have been followed by the typesetter.
These days, however, proofreading is often performed 'blind'. This means that the proof is read on its own, without the edited manuscript being available to the proofreader. Nowadays, the medium on which the text will ultimately be seen may also not be paper but a computer screen.
What exactly is my role as a proofreader?
As proofreaders we check that the editor, graphic designer and/or typesetter have each done a satisfactory job. In order to verify this, we read the proof for consistency in usage and layout, for accuracy in the text and references and for typesetting errors. It is important to note, however, that the proofreader only acts as a quality check, making sure that the copy editor or graphic designer or typesetter has not missed something. I am not responsible for overall consistency and accuracy.
As part of a proofreading assignment we usually undertake the following tasks:
- Compare the proofs with the edited copy
- Check that page numbers are consecutive
- Ensure consistency
- Identify necessary changes
- Mark amendments accurately and consistently
- Watch out for typographical and design inconsistencies
- Cross-check chapter titles with the table of contents
- Check or insert numbers in cross-references
- Eliminate inelegant or confusing word, column and page breaks
- Ensure that illustrations and their captions and labels correspond
- Check that each page is aesthetically pleasing and logically arranged
- Liaise with the copy editor and/or the author
- If required, collate the author's changes with our own
