Proof reading

The proof reading stage is the author’s last chance to catch embarrassing mistakes before the work goes to the printer. Correcting mistakes after printing can be very expensive.

Our proofreaders carry out pin sharp correction of errors, and have particular expertise with legal documents and research publications in the biological sciences.

Proofreading is usually done twice

• Before it goes to the designer, so that mistakes do not affect the designer’s decisions in laying out the text
• After proofs have been printed, to catch any mistakes that may have been introduced by process of layout and design

Our proofreaders will do the following tasks

(adapted from "Standards for Proofreading" by the Committee on Professional Standards of the Freelance Editors' Association of Canada)

• § Check design consistency.
  
• § Find typographical errors.
  
• § Identify features affecting later stages of production and / or
  production in more than one medium (e.g., printed page and Web page).
  
• § Assess end-of-line word divisions and mark bad breaks for correction.
  
• § Choose the least costly or the most appropriate changes.
  
• § Check that the style sheet has been followed, or make one.
  
• § Query inconsistencies / errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, or fact.
  
• § Make changes appropriate to the stage and kind of publication.
  
• § Incorporate author's alterations.

According to your requirements, they will look for additional categories of error.

How Much Does it Cost?

For a free estimate, send five pages of your copy edited document or manuscript, explaining your requirements and how you will be publishing it, to:

info ("at" sign) allograph dot ca