Strategies for proofreading

At the WIC lunch tomorrow, we're discussing revision strategies and something we're calling the "Change 5 Things" approach. Vicki asked that I draw from my copy editing and teaching experiences to come up with a document to present specifically on proofreading. I typed out a few ideas, certain I'd find more good sources to add to my own thoughts. But, as I went through my old college newspaper style guide, the Associated Press Style Guide, Andrea Lunsford's Everyday Writer, and a few online sources, I didn't find anything to add.

So, in any case, below is my list. If you have any ideas that could be incorporated, let me know.


Strategies for Proofreading:

• It’s true that the best proofreaders are often those with the best skills in grammar and mechanics, but all students can identify some of the mistakes in their documents. Using peer review is always recommended: we all benefit from having more eyes on our writing. Find a friend with a good eye for proofreading, and after you’ve been through these steps carefully, ask that friend to identify any errors she or he may see.

• Take a break. Don’t do just one proofread immediately after you’ve finished the paper and assume that the paper is ready to be turned in. Get away from the paper, relax for a bit, and then come at it with a fresh set of eyes.

• Use the MS Word spelling and grammar check function as a guide. Don’t assume that you must make a change because you see a red or green line, but don’t assume that there is nothing wrong, either. Take a careful look at the underlined error and determine whether or not you need to make a change.

• Print your paper, rather than proofreading on the screen. This allows you to see your errors easily, and your eyes will appreciate looking at a printed copy after you’ve strained your vision by staring at an illuminated computer screen for hours. And, use a pen that stands out for you.

• Make proofreading an entirely separate activity from other elements of the revision process, like reorganizing paragraphs or double-checking your references.

• Know your weaknesses. If you regularly lose points for comma splices in your papers, make an effort to learn what a comma splice is, and read with an eye specifically for that mistake. In fact, it can be very helpful to read a paper looking for one error at a time. (For example, a reading for comma splices, a reading for tense shifts, a reading for missing apostrophes, etc.)

• Read your paper aloud, slowly. This, of course, implies that you should give yourself time to proofread effectively. Finishing a paper at the last second is not only stressful, but it leads to errors on the final draft.