Free and Easy Proofreading: Get Simple Tips Now
Have you ever read an article, book or writing only to end up with a headache after? Most times it is not the story in the books but the little errors here and there, horrendous formatting and jarring inconsistencies. These mistakes have a way of covering the message in the write up such that they are the only things the readers see.
As a writer, you know how hard it is to be objective when writing. Mistakes have a unique way of hiding. In our previous post, we talked about editing and how important it is to the writing process. Editing and proofreading are similar but there are important differences. At Quilltowers, we offer the two services so we know what our clients mean when they reach out for either of them. Walk with us.
Editing versus Proofreading: The Differences
Although editing and proofreading are both used to improve the quality of a write up, they are still different steps in the creative process. Proofreading is always done as the final step of the writing process when all has been done. Most writers prefer to have done at least one stage of editing before moving forward with a proofreading. Proofreading is meant to;
- Check for grammatical errors, spelling errors and punctuation mistakes. These mistakes may derail the intention behind the write up. If they are reoccurring, they will ruin your reputation as a writer.
- Ensure consistency in formatting, heading and the use of terminology. Write ups like academic writing have a strict formatting style. When not done properly, they completely ruin the purpose of the writing. A proofreader in this instance is meant to check for mistakes in referencing, the use of headings and the use of terminologies common to that field.
- Detect errors in dates, times, numbers, statistics or estimates. When writing a feature or an editorial that are directed towards newspaper readers, facts are important. Misreporting a fact or figure can ruin the credibility of a write up. The job of a Proofreader is to prevent this. Even after they have been checked by an Editor, the Proofreader needs to do this again. Sometimes, facts have changed by the time the work reaches the table of the Proofreader.
- Ensure overall satisfaction in the writing. In filmmaking, scripts are important part of the entire film. They are the bedrock of the movie. The dialogue and sequence of the film needs to be consistent with the Director’s vision, the Producers’ requirements and the actors’ characters. Film writers therefore also need Proofreaders to ensure that these needs are covered in the final draft.
Editing differs from Proofreading based on the scope of revision the two do. While Editing covers more ground since it focuses on the improvement of the content’s quality, coherence, consistency and clarity, Proofreading is more directed towards detecting the errors in the work.
How to Get Proofreading Jobs From Home
Post COVID-19 remote works have become more famous as company owners have realised that they can pay less for a worker who works directly from the comfort of their home. It reduces office cost, reduces personnel wages and bonuses. Some companies have even taken it to the point where they have no physical office since all their works are done online. Hail the internet.
There are proofreading jobs in Canada, Philippines, Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom. If you stay in other countries, you can take these jobs remotely since they are online.
You can easily find Upwork proofreading jobs or register on Reedsy as a Proofreader or Editor. Sites such as Indeed also have Proofreading Jobs that may interest you.
If you have other questions on this post or others, you can always contact us. For you, we are always here.
