See the difference a professionally trained proofreader can make
It's true that when we're really close to a project, our eyes fill in the gaps. This means we see words that aren't there and think we know what the text says, even when it actually says something different!
It's always a good idea to ask someone else to check our writing before it goes live. And it's an even better idea to bring in a professional proofreader at this sign-off stage – someone like me with the training, experience and, importantly, time to proofread thoroughly.
The material will be new to me, so I'll be in a great position to spot those missing words, double words and wrong words.
The all-important proofreading checklist
My clients include marketing teams and design agencies, so my proofreading projects are often designed PDFs. And for every designed PDF, I create a detailed checklist. This helps me to make sure I check all the different textual and design elements, one by one. It's impossible to accurately check headings, image captions, page numbers and the main text in one read-through!
Proofreading typically includes checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, word choice, clarity of meaning and consistency (textual and design/layout).
Proofreading PDFs
Proofreading Word documents
Proofreading online content
It's true that when we're really close to a project, our eyes fill in the gaps. This means we see words that aren't there and think we know what the text says, even when it actually says something different!
It's always a good idea to ask someone else to check our writing before it goes live. And it's an even better idea to bring in a professional proofreader at this sign-off stage – someone like me with the training, experience and, importantly, time to proofread thoroughly.
The material will be new to me, so I'll be in a great position to spot those missing words, double words and wrong words.
The all-important proofreading checklist
My clients include marketing teams and design agencies, so my proofreading projects are often designed PDFs. And for every designed PDF, I create a detailed checklist. This helps me to make sure I check all the different textual and design elements, one by one. It's impossible to accurately check headings, image captions, page numbers and the main text in one read-through!
Proofreading typically includes checking spelling, grammar, punctuation, word choice, clarity of meaning and consistency (textual and design/layout).
Proofreading PDFs
- I proofread PDFs in Adobe, using markup tools within the text and concise comments to explain the change or query. My Useful Guide to PDF Markup gives some examples.
Proofreading Word documents
- I proofread Word documents with track changes enabled, making changes directly in the text and adding comments for explanation or to draw attention to something I need to query.
Proofreading online content
- I can proofread online content, such as web pages, blogs and online assessments, in different ways. I can save a web page as a PDF or copy the text into Word, and proofread as described above. Or, I can take screen shots and use Adobe comments to suggest changes.
Jenny is, quite simply, a joy to work with. We have engaged her proofreading expertise for many years for a number of our annual publications and would definitely not wish to go to print without knowing she has reviewed the document for accuracy and consistency.
Her attention to detail is second to none and we are particularly impressed with her commitment to understanding our publications and to learning and embracing our brand guidelines, to ensure they are applied throughout our publications.
Furthermore, Jenny is a joy to work with – unfailingly polite and flexible when it comes to our often fluid deadlines and timescales!
Anna Stevenson, Head of Marketing and Communications, Norwich School
Jenny has worked with us for a couple of years on a range of publications including magazines, client projects and various ad-hoc research reports – all with different requirements. Jenny is a consummate professional and understands the magazine production process thoroughly.
She is efficient, flexible and I trust her judgement 100%. I feel very lucky to have her as an extended part of my team – her work is invaluable!
Mary Appleton, former Director and Editor in Chief, Changeboard (now Future Talent Learning)