How to become a Literary Proofreader

A proofreader implements a 'quality check' on publications, usually just before they are due to go to print. They are accountable for correcting errors found in written documents. This involves reading documents that is free of typographical, format, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and spelling errors. They may also be accountable for examining page elements, specifications, spacing, or dimensions of an editorial project.

Proofreaders gets involved in a literary work after author, editor, and typesetter have done their parts. It is the proofreader's role to act as a fresh pair of eyes, spotting any mistakes that otherwise might have missed.

• Read and assess written text for errors in grammar and typography
• Communicate with writers and editors to determine the composition of specific texts in a document
• Confirm accuracy of content by research and using references
• Match typeset proofs against original copy to recognise errors or omission
• Use word processors and other specialized software to make changes on typeset documents
• Evaluate the dimensions of page elements such as images, text spacing and positioning to ensure they conform to set specifications
• Ensure page numbers are in the correct sequence and not repeated or omitted
• Scan documents to confirm chapter titles match list of contents
• Use standard and recognized symbols by printing and publishing companies to mark corrections
• Ensure the marked corrections highlighted by editors/authors reflect on the master set proof
• Rephrase written text to confirm consistency of document structure and content
• Stay well-informed with grammatical development and new language terminologies
• Ensure illustrations, pictures, and graphs are aptly captioned and referenced
• Interact with authors to clarify grammatical inconsistencies
• Forward proofread materials for approval and publication
• Ensure project is completed within set time constraints.
• Ensure chapter titles match the list of contents
• Ensure of no confusing words or column or page breaks
• Ensure headings and captions are correct
• Checking book and e-book manuscripts for errors
• Checking articles before they’re posted in newspapers, blogs, periodicals, or websites
• Reviewing legal and business documents for potential incongruities
• Making sure academic papers are without issues
• Making sure webpages are free of grammatical or formatting issues
• Checking English as a second language writings.

A literary proofreader needs to be skilled in written language, usually English. They also need to have good people skills, ability to work well with others, and verbal communication skills. The need for good interpersonal skills helps build working relationships and contacts with potential clients.

They must also possess ability to work independently and to stay focused throughout an entire document which may be long and technical, requiring good concentration.

They also need to have eye for detail, be self-motivated, persistence and determination. They should be adaptable, flexible, and open to change to work within the style of the author and publisher, rather than impose their own ideas.

They need to have good judgement to gauge the errors in a literary work. This also requires familiarity with word processing and other computer editorial software. Likewise, familiarity with the production process for books and documents would have an additional benefit.