Matthew Willen

The value of effective proofreading cannot be overstated, but formal training in this important area is often overlooked or even ignored. A handy refresher for seasoned proofreaders and a comprehensive how-to for the beginner, Practical Proofreading can help you release documents that are crisper, cleaner, and error-free.

Practical Proofreading serves as a much-needed guide to the special skills required to become an effective proofreader.

More than just reading over a document, the act of proofreading requires more than a simple knowledge of grammar and punctuation. This book explains the proper ways to: create a suitable environment for effective proofreading; read a document to identify errors and inconsistencies; apply tools to track elements within a document; use standard proofreading symbols to mark up a document; and query the author or editor to verify questionable elements.

Willen walks you through the basics, with attention to terminology, responsibilities, planning and environment, and the meaning and use of the marks themselves. The exercises provided each step along the way will help you sharpen your eye and practice new skills.