If you’ve never used a professional proofreader before, here’s why you should.
Professional proofreaders have gone through focused training to increase and hone their skills. They have experience applying what they’ve learned, and if they don’t know an answer, they know how to look it up.
Another thing that sets a professional apart from an untrained reader is knowing exactly what to watch for, the best way to correct issues in the text, how to interact tactfully with authors, and how to follow style sheets.
With expert knowledge of English language, grammar, punctuation, and the publishing process, a professional proofreader can offer detailed improvements that untrained proofreaders aren’t even aware of. This is crucial to the overall final quality and readability of your book.
What exactly does a proofreader look for?
A proofreader’s job is to catch any mistakes or inconsistencies that the author, editor, or copyeditor may have missed. A proofreader will read the book manuscript carefully, line by line, word by word, checking for typos, spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, grammatical problems, incorrect homophones, and even formatting issues. Since this requires a high level of focus, they may take breaks every so often so that they can return to the project with fresh eyes.
In addition to checking for errors, a proofreader may also flag any sections that are unclear or confusing, and suggest changes to improve the overall flow of the text. This helps ensure that the reader can follow the story or information presented without becoming lost or frustrated.
A proofreader provides objective edits
One of the most valuable aspects of a professional proofreader’s work is their ability to provide objective edits and feedback while remaining sensitive to the author’s emotional connection to the writing. After all, authors write not just from their mind, but from their heart and soul. Their writing is personal, a part of them, and a good proofreader respects that.
Additionally, when an author has been working on a manuscript for a long time, it becomes extremely easy to overlook mistakes or become attached to certain words, phrasings, or sentences. A proofreader, on the other hand, approaches the text with new eyes and can provide corrections and constructive (but kind) suggestions to help the author refine their work.
A proofreader corrects and flags issues
When a proofreader identifies an error or inconsistency in a manuscript, they will either correct the mistake themselves (clearly marking the change) or flag it for the author or editor to review.
Sometimes, a proofreader may have a question or suggestion for the author to consider. For example, they may notice a character’s name spelled two different ways and ask the author which is correct. Or they may point out that a table that was made of wood a few paragraphs back has now inexplicably changed to metal. Or perhaps a character’s hair color or eye color has changed with no explanation. These little details need addressing and can have a big impact on reader experience and enjoyment.
The importance of hiring a professional
Professional proofreading is essential to the success of any book. A skilled proofreader knows what to look for and how to correct mistakes while preserving your unique style and voice. By catching errors and offering feedback, proofreaders help to ensure that the final product is clean, polished, and professional.
So the next time you pick up a book and it reads smoothly and effortlessly, you can thank the hard work of a dedicated proofreader.
And if you’re ever in need of a professional proofreader or know someone who is, I invite you to learn more about me and my services.