A typical proofreader picks out the mistakes in the content and corrects the grammar mistakes. He ensures that corrections are implemented in the final draft copy of the articles. The proofreader job demands a great amount of patience to spot and rectify the errors. An educational degree in literature would be helpful for a proofreader. The job of a proofreader is to correct the errors in grammar, spelling, and other mistakes that are caused while typing or printing. He also needs to compare the pages to the editor's copy. Mostly proofreaders may not have the documents to compare with and start spotting the errors. Punctuation and grammar mistakes are given great importance.
A good academic foundation can be laid in high school and college by taking English literature courses. A degree in literature can be of immense help in knowing the language better. You can also do a proofreading certification course or join online training courses that provide complete information on proofreading. There is a plethora of free courses and information on proofreading as well. Hands on experience can be obtained by working for the school magazine, newspaper, or literary magazine.
Proofreader's jobs demand you to consult various books at times like dictionaries, thesaurus, style manuals, and other resources for reference. It is important to master the concepts in grammar and punctuation. An elegant style of writing is an added advantage. Many people don't understand the fact that a good knowledge of grammar alone is not enough to become a successful proofreader. You need an extensive training program to find the inconspicuous errors and other mistakes. Proofreading jobs must be taken seriously by the employees and the constant enhancing of knowledge in language is critical. The urge to explore information is required.
The proofreader needs to have an extensive training program which must be specific to cater to the needs of the industry. Generic training programs will have no impact. The curriculum must be rich in content and must help the proofreaders to do a better job.
A good training program will start with:
- Ways to proofread: The proofreader will be taught on the ways to find out the mistakes and how to operate.
- Proofreading skills: These skills cannot be obtained overnight. It will take a certain period of time to acquire the skills and it is important to learn it by experience.
- Implementing phase: It is important to implement things that are learned in the class. It is quite difficult to remember all of them. As always, practice makes perfect.
- Mastering the language: Understanding the writer's language is important. There must be a good and smooth flow of content throughout the article.
- Style of writing: It is important to understand the style of writing. It varies according to the geographical location. Adapt to the universal standards in most cases.
- Resource selection: Information must be fetched from reliable sources. It must be authenticated.
Proofreaders are essential to every field of the industry as they involve publishing catalogs, marketing copy, internal documentation, newsletters, and sales letters. Professional proofreaders are paid up to $55,000 per year and many can find a freelancing job as a proofreader and earn as much as $20/hr. The final attainment of goal on how to become a proofreader can be best answered by the individual commitment and passion towards the work.
