Are you a self-published author or blogger? Do you proofread your work? If you don’t, you’re missing out on an opportunity to improve your writing and add value to the reader experience. Editing is essential for any author or writer, but so few do it.
Proofreading is the most basic form of editing, and you’ll find it surprising how many mistakes you find in your work with a brief scan of your writing. This post unpacks 15 proofreading tips to make you a better writer. Give them a shot and watch how your writing improves.
#1 Allocate Time
Proofreading a 100-page manuscript takes time. Don’t expect to do it all in a single sitting. You will need to allocate time to the project, and we recommend doing it in blocks of 30 to 45 minutes at a time.
Any longer than that, you’ll end up becoming bored and frustrated, and you’ll miss your mistakes. Find the time and sit down to proofread in a quiet place where you’re undisturbed for the task’s duration.
#2 Print a Proof
Print out your document. You’ll find it easier to identify the errors on paper. Use a marker to highlight mistakes and correct digital files after each editing session. You might be wondering why you would create double work for yourself?
Well, you’ll find more mistakes when reading a physical copy. You’ll also have a chance to correct your writing on paper and digitally, showing you where you make your mistakes. As a result, you’ll find you don’t make many of those same mistakes again in your next writing project.
#3 Review the Big Picture
Start by comparing the proof with the original. And ensure it’s not missing any illustrations, tables, or text.
#4 Run Through the Details
Next, look for surface-error mistakes like spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and formatting. Look for errors introduced by the copyedit. Errors in tables include notation, numbers, and symbols.
#5 Trust Nothing
Don’t trust your eyes. It’s common for writers to glaze over their mistakes when they read fast. Take the time to examine the work properly. Don’t take anything for granted. Use a ruler or piece of paper as a visual guide and place it under each line as you read.
#6 Focus on Small Errors
Highlight or circle punctuation marks to focus on them. Look for errors in small words. For instance, it’s common for writers to mistype “in” as “ion,” Many other examples of these fat finger mistakes appear in writing.
#7 Study Illustrations and Tables
Look at your tables and illustrations. Check to ensure they’re in the right order and placed correctly on the page. Are all your cross-references correct? Do you have the right captions and titles for tables and illustrations?
#8 Double-Check Your Numbers, Symbols, and Notation
Run a double-check on all notation and numbers. Do your numerical lists appear sequentially? Are the symbols correctly transferred to the page proofs?
#9 Double-Mark Corrections
Enter in-text marks (caret, line, etc.) and corresponding marginal effects (notation or symbol). Double-check to ensure you correctly placed all in-text marks.
#10 Slash to Separate Your Marginal Marks
Uses slashes to separate your marginal marks on lines. Add a slash to each similar correction on the same line.
#11 Jump Margins
Proofread the document from left to right, ensuring the order of your marginal marks corresponds with textual marks.
#12 Circle Instructions
Circle marginal marks are instructions and shortened forms (e.g., Ital, caps, lc). This method clarifies whether you enter these marks into the text as words.
#13 Take Breaks in the Process
Only work for a short time, and take regular breaks. We recommend using the “Pomodoro” technique. Set a timer on your phone for 15 minutes and take a five-minute break when the alarm sounds. Repeat this cycle for an hour or two before taking a longer 30-minute break.
#14 Proofread Again
One proofread is good, but a second and third are better. You’ll find it surprising how many mistakes you miss when you take a second or third swipe at the document.
#15 Alternate Methods
Try alternate proofreading tricks and tips. It’s a good idea to read out loud as you go. Verbalizing the content gives you a better idea of the cadence and flow of your work and where you can improve the reader experience.
Where Can I Hire a Proofreader?
You can hire a proofreader online. A quick search produces thousands of results for editing teams and independent proofreaders. When you’re wading through the search results, you’ll find you have options to go with a freelancer or a writing service. Or you could do it yourself.
DIY proofreading is okay if you use editing software like Grammarly or Hemmingway. However, if you don’t have time to sift through your 100-page manuscript, it’s better to entrust the task to a professional.
DIY proofreading is taxing on the eyes, and there’s a chance you’re going to miss your mistakes unless you’re using editing tools. Handing the task to a professional is the better option, and you get perfect results.
Hire a Service or a Freelancer?
So, do you use a professional writing service or an independent freelancer to proofread your work? Both have their pros and cons. A freelancer is a more affordable option. However, it’s a mixed bag of results.
You can find freelancers on sites like Upwork, Reedsy, and Fiverr. These independents are the more affordable option compared to a writing service. However, you might experience delays in your project deadline as freelancers aren’t always reliable. Some freelancers don’t even speak English as their home language.
A writing service offers you a great way to have your work proofread by a professional. Writing services are the more expensive options, and they vary in quality. However, a writing service offers you dependable results, providing you select a company with excellent reviews and customer feedback as your partner.
The choice is up to you. It depends on your budget and what you want to achieve from your proofreading experience. Will you go with a DIY strategy, a freelancer, or a writing service? We leave that choice up to you.