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Proofreading and Editing

 

Proofreading is the review and correction of errors in a written document. The objective is to eliminate spelling errors. That includes grammatical irregularities, punctuation, and document format.

The process also involves fact-checking to validate the accuracy of the facts in the document. Proofreading is the last phase for detecting errors before the document is ready for use or publishing. 

Proofreading is part of the corporate world. The process guarantees that the document is suitable for a designated purpose. It also ensures the correct message is transmitted to achieve a business goal.

Proofreading eliminates minor errors in a written document. Errors negatively affect the reputation of a business. Shareholders will consider investing elsewhere because of the questionable credibility of the company.

Proofreading is not only about detecting errors. Others use it to review the document. That is to ensure that none of the required subjects have been included in the paper.

What Does Editing Involve?

Editing is the selection and preparation of the written or visual content. The process involves other processes such as correction, organisation, and other modifications. Even though proofreading is part of editing, editing presents more requirements.  The goal is to produce consistent, accurate and validated content. 

Editing ensures that ideas are presented with clarity. The process includes adding or deleting part of the content to conform to a set guideline. Editing may involve rearranging existing text to rationalise the structure of the content.

Why Editing is A Requirement   

Editing improves the quality of written content. It enables clarification of ideas and concepts which would otherwise confuse the readers. The concept of editing also enhances the quality of written content.

Editing makes your content more credible than that of your competitors. The business world is a platform for competition. Editing plays a part in securing contracts, tenders, and large projects, considering the magnitude of competition. 

Most editors have the software that allows them to make comments. The author will either accept or decline the recommendations. Implementing editorial suggestions will improve the value of the content.  

‘Remember, even the best movie started as a script. Never underestimate the value of editing.’

Electronic or Printed Version Editing

Choose between the electronic or the print version of the document. Some prefer to edit the document on paper, while others edit the electronic version. Regardless of your preferred version, both strategies contribute to the finalisation of the manuscript. The print version is more aligned with the traditional system of operation. More work will be required in printing and collecting the printouts.

The electronic version presents digital software advantages that help highlight errors such as the ‘Track Change’. One can also incorporate comments using a distinguished colour. Electronic proofreading is popular with most businesses, given the technological advancement of the modern generation. 

Digital Advantage

Proofreading printed paper is convenient for those who use different ink colours to identify changes. Due to technological advancement, the format is losing popularity.  

Reading ‘Aloud’

‘Dignity aside,…. sometimes it pays to be ‘loud.’

‘Reading aloud’ makes it possible to ‘listen to yourself’ and detect errors. The strategy is effective if executed in a quiet environment. This is a preferred strategy, especially if proofreading your content.

Third-Party Involvement

Requesting a friend to proofread your writing is more effective than proofreading your content. It is easier to identify errors by another writer than your own.

Change of Format

Amending the format of your document has a psychological effect. Your brain views amended content differently, enhancing the chances of detecting errors. That will present an unfamiliar perspective of the same content. The format includes the spacing, text, font, and style.  

Proofreading in Segments

Instead of editing and proofreading the whole document simultaneously, the process can be subdivided into phases. The quality of your accuracy may decline with time; splitting the workload will help your function levels.