Writing Tips: Proofreading | WriteWorld

This article provides good advice on fixing things you've written after the content has been reviewed for accuracy and clarity, after an editor or colleague has tried to correct your grammar and style, after your document has been designed into a document nearing publication.

That's proofreading!

The blogger writes:

Even though proofreading might seem like a tedious task to some, I tend to think of it as the icing on the cake when it comes to creative writing as well—that final touch to perfect a piece of writing in order to make it even better. However, I've found that some role players and writers seem to lack the tools to do so, perhaps as a result of not knowing what to look for.

I encourage you to read the article to get more advice under these subheads:

• Use a spell-checker ...

Keep in mind that a spell-checker will only reveal typos and errors in spelling; while this is a good place to begin, more often than not you will have to go further than that.

• Double-check your punctuation
• Double-check your word use
• Look for missing words and odd sentence structures
• Check your grammar
• Beware of repeats
• Check your sentence lengths
• Read, read, and read
• And finally; read aloud.

Also, check for typos that the designer (or you or an editor) has introduced accidentally into the "final" document.
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This proofreading article is featured today, Jan. 4, in my daily online paper, Garbl's Style: Write Choices, available at the Editorial Style tab above and by free email subscription.