Handy hints for checking your work
Below is a list of tips for proofreading your work. This list is not exhaustive but should help you. If you still need help, contact me!
Take your time
Rushing through will undermine the process. This is why my fees are based on the number of words rather than an hourly rate.
Read it aloud, or even to someone else
When you read through your work you may tend to skim or scan the words but reading aloud makes you slow down and helps you weed out misplaced commas and misspelt words.
Imagine you know nothing about your subject matter
Can you understand exactly what you are trying to say?
Answer the question
What is the purpose of your work and do you effectively answer the question or address the relevant issues?
Use a spellchecker, but don’t rely on it
A spellchecker should supplement any proofreading work, not replace it.
Invest in a good quality dictionary
If you’re not sure about the spelling or usage of a word, look it up.
Remember to proofread the text outside of the main body of work, such as:
•Index
•Table of contents
•Table of figures
•Table of authorities
•Headers and footers
•Page numbers
•Section numbers
•Citations
•Quotations
•Cross references
•Spelling of names
•Legal references
Often you are so heavily involved in your own work that your eyes just overlook the mistakes. Again, this is where I can help. Email me at kelly@proofreadingandediting.co.uk
