Proofreading means reading a proof copy of a text in order to detect and correct any errors. Reading is the process of retrieving and comprehending some form of stored information or ideas. ... The term text has multiple meanings depending on its context of use: In language, text is a broad term for something that contains words to express something. ...

Proofreading in printing and publishing

A proof copy is traditionally a version of a manuscript that has been typeset after copyediting, but the line between copyediting and proofreading is thin. When handwritten originals were common, it was often easier for a copy editor to review and mark up a manuscript after it had been typeset. With computer typesetting from electronic manuscripts, the distinction becomes even more blurred. A manuscript (Latin manu scriptus, written by hand), strictly speaking, is any written document that is put down by hand, in contrast to being printed or reproduced some other way. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Copy editing is the process of an editor making formatting changes and other improvements to text. ... Penmanship is the art of writing clearly and quickly. ... A manuscript (Latin manu scriptus, written by hand), strictly speaking, is any written document that is put down by hand, in contrast to being printed or reproduced some other way. ...

Proof typescripts often contain typographical errors introduced by mistyping (hence the word typo to refer to misplaced or incorrect characters). Traditionally, a proofreader checks the typeset copy and marks any errors using standard proof correction marks (such as those specified in the international standard ISO-5776 or more specifically for English, the British Standard BS-5261:2). The proof is then returned to the typesetter for correction, and in many cases the production of a second proof copy (or "revise"). This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... A typographical error or typo is a mistake made during the typing process. ... Editing marks are symbols used by editors and proofreaders to note grammatical and content changes that need to be made in a written document. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... British Standards is the new name of the British Standards Institute and is part of BSI Group which also includes a testing organisation. ...

Today, the term "proofreading" is often used incorrectly to refer to copyediting, although there is overlap between the two. Proofreading consists of reviewing any text, hardcopy or electronic copy (on a computer), against an original document and checking for formatting errors and typos. Many computerised word processors offer the ability to "Show Formatting Marks", displaying them as visible characters which allow proofreaders to ensure that there are no multiple spaces or stray carriage returns present in the text. A Lego RCX Computer is an example of an embedded computer used to control mechanical devices. ... A word processor (also more formally known as a document preparation system) is a computer application used for the production (including composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing) of any sort of viewable or printed material. ...

Copyediting consists of checking grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting; noting inconsistencies; and pointing out any wording that is unclear, ambiguous, or potentially offensive.

Proofreading in biology

The term proofreading is used to refer to the error-correcting processes involved in transcription of a genetic code. In bacteria, all three DNA polymerases (I, II, and III) have the ability to proofread, using 3'->5' exonuclease activity. In eukaryotes only the polymerases that deal with the elongation (γ, δ and ε) have proofreading ability (3'->5' exonuclease activity). Transcription is the process through which a DNA sequence is enzymatically copied by an RNA polymerase to produce a complementary RNA. Or, in other words, the transfer of genetic information from DNA into RNA. In the case of protein-encoding DNA, transcription is the beginning of the process that ultimately... Subgroups Actinobacteria Aquificae Bacteroidetes/Chlorobi Chlamydiae/Verrucomicrobia Chloroflexi Chrysiogenetes Cyanobacteria Deferribacteres Deinococcus-Thermus Dictyoglomi Fibrobacteres/Acidobacteria Firmicutes Fusobacteria Gemmatimonadetes Nitrospirae Planctomycetes Proteobacteria Spirochaetes Thermodesulfobacteria Thermomicrobia Thermotogae Bacteria (singular: bacterium) are a major group of living organisms. ... Kingdoms Animalia - Animals Fungi Plantae - Plants Protista A eukaryote is an organism with a complex cell or cells, in which the genetic material is organized into a membrane-bound nucleus or nuclei. ...

See also

• copy editing
• style guide
• obelism
• writing circles
• typographical personification
• typographical syntax
• Distributed Proofreaders

Copy editing is the process of an editor making formatting changes and other improvements to text. ... Style guides generally give guidance on language use. ... Obelism is the practice of annotating manuscripts with marks set in the margins. ... Writing circles are groups of like-minded people needing support for their work, either through writing critiques, workshops or classes, or just encouragement. ... A typo fairy graphic, an example of a typographical personification. ... Typographical syntax, also known as orthotypography, is the field of microtypography that defines the meaning and rightful usage of typographical signs, notably punctuation marks, and various elements of layout such as flushing and indentation. ... Distributed Proofreaders (commonly abbreviated as DP or PGDP) is a project to support the development of e-texts for Project Gutenberg. ...

External links

• List of proof correction marks (UK)
• Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders
• Advice on freelance proofreading and copy editing (UK)
• Word Witch on Proofreading
• Advice for Proof Reading Services (UK)