Do you love words and have an eye for detail? Then proofreading may be a great job for you? If you'd like to know how to get started as a proofreader, read on! This guide to how to be a proofreader will help you get started.
citytowninfo: Proofreaders Careers Overview
This 2 minute video is produced by a proofreading company. Each step of proofreading work is demonstrated with brief video clips. This video is valuable for showing you not only the process of proofreading, but if you are considering applying for work at a company that provides proofreading services - you will understand what the job involves. Otherwise, perhaps you need to consider the information about How to Start a Small Business of your own. There are subtitles for the hearing impaired.
Introduction
Proofreaders review manuscripts and articles after they have been set into type and are ready to publish. They compare the proof copy to the copy editor's draft, making sure all changes have been reflected in the final copy. They also correct any grammar or word usage errors that he copy editor may have missed.
Step 1: Master the English Language
A proof reader needs to have an excellent grasp of English grammar,spelling, sentence structure, and word usage. High school and college courses in English grammar and composition will be helpful, as will reviewing books on grammar, such as Elements of Style by Strunk and White.
Step 2: Develop Specialized Skills
Each publisher will have their own specialized requirements. Some use the AP Style Guide, others have their own in house guides. If you'll be proofing specialized science or medical articles or texts, you'll want to make sure you are very familiar will specialized terms and conventions, so you can pick up errors.
Step 3: Learn Proofreading Notation
Standard proofreader notation prevents miscommunication between the proofreader and the typesetter. Keep a chart handy while you work. Most marks are made in the margin, with the affected word or phrase circled.
