Nobody’s perfect: 12 editing & proofreading tips

Every trade and profession has guidelines that can be stated in bumper sticker-like clarity.

Accounting:  Debits on the left, credits on the right.
Mechanics:  Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.
Landscaping:  Green side up.
Carpentry:  Measure twice. Cut once.

So is there a bumper sticker for proofreading? Yes. Nobody’s perfect. It is difficult for students to catch their own mistakes. As a result, someone else needs to read their copy.

Download an overview of proofreading tips. In addition, consider the following:

• Go somewhere quiet.
• Listen to music or chew gum. Relieve the pressure of being constantly focused, but do it without too much distraction.
• Avoid proofing under fluorescent lighting. The flicker rate is slower; as a result, it is hard to pick up inconsistencies.
• Don’t proofread when you are tired.

Whether proofreading before submission or after proofs arrive, keep a list of things to watch for on your desk. It will help alot (oops – a lot).