Exploring Writing - Gary Robert Muschla 2011

Exercise 4.1 A Proofreading Plan
Proofreading Strategies
Part 4. Proofreading

Proofreading is the part of the writing process that puts the final polish on a piece. Proofreading should not be done until writing has been revised. It is a time when you catch and correct any last errors in punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and word usage.

Proofreading is just as demanding as the other stages of writing. While it is true that most errors have been corrected by this time, the errors that remain often are easy to miss. By now you may have become so close to the piece that mistakes are hard to find. If you have done a good job of revision, proofreading is much like looking for a needle in the haystack.

For just about every piece, no matter how careful a writer was during revision, a few mistakes remain. Proofreading requires concentration and a good eye.

Proofreading Strategies

Proofreading is different from ordinary reading. In ordinary reading, the average reader focuses on a few words at a time and moves quickly through the line. This is usually enough for the reader to gain an understanding of the material. Proofreading, though, requires that the proofreader read and examine every word and punctuation mark.

When done properly, proofreading is slow, hard work. Anything less will miss a few of those last mistakes.

Exercise 4.1 A Proofreading Plan

Proofreading is the last step before finishing writing. Here are general guidelines for proofreading:

1. Read slowly and concentrate on punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and word usage.

2. Look at the page to make sure paragraphs are fully indented, margins are correct, and there are no gaps in spacing.

3. Proofread the piece two or three times. It is likely that each time you will find a few more minor errors. Only when no more errors are found is proofreading done.

Choose an example of your work to proofread. This might be a previously completed piece or a piece that you have just finished. Proofread the piece with care and concentration.

Follow the suggestions above whenever proofreading your work. With practice and experience, you will eventually develop your own methods for proofreading.