Your manuscript has been copyedited and designed as a PDF; now there is one last stage of the editorial process before publishing: proofreading. I will check your work at both the design and word levels, making sure everything looks consistent and professional and looking out for any remaining errors. Some authors also include an additional proofreading stage on the copyedited Word document before it goes to the designer.
It is best practice to have someone different from the copyeditor proofread your work, as the copyeditor may by now be too ‘close’ to see things objectively. If I have copyedited your work, I may be able to recommend a proofreader for you.
What is proofreading?
Otherwise known as ‘the last line of defence’, proofreading is the final check before publication. It includes:
- checking that pages and chapters are sequenced correctly and that the contents page matches the chapters
- checking that text is formatted consistently
- checking for design consistency in both text and image elements
- checking running heads and page numbering
- looking out for stacked hyphens and letters: three or more consecutive lines that end with a hyphenated word or three or more consecutive lines that start or end with the same word
- checking for essential spelling, grammar and punctuation errors
- making minor changes for sense
- checking for consistency according to the style sheet produced during copyediting
For an outline of the differences between copyediting and proofreading, have a look at this factsheet produced by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.
The role of proofreading within the publication process
The graphic below explains where proofreading sits within the editing process on the road to publication.
How do I work?
Proofreading can be done on a Word document before typesetting or on a PDF, once the copyedited manuscript has been typeset. On Word I will mark up my proofreading changes using Track Changes; on a PDF I use the Adobe markup and comment tools for you or your designer to then make those changes to the file. If you are using InDesign, any direct changes I make should transfer across.
What files will you receive?
I will return either the Word document with my comments and changes showing or the PDF marked up with the comment tools.
How much will it cost?
Every proofreading job is different. Among other factors, the size and state of the manuscript will affect the price. Guided by the suggested minimum rates set by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, my proofreading fees are £36 per hour. On average, I proofread at a rate of around 2,500 to 3,000 words per hour.