tomeubanks.com

• Don't proof for every type of mistake at once.   Do one proof for consistency of word usage; are you using "all right" or "alright"?  (Yes, this is one of those exceptions to the rule when it comes to quotes; in this case they go inside the question mark, otherwise it might be mistakenly taken that the "alright" has to be a question.)  Then do another proof for spelling, font sizes, missing or additional spaces, et cetera.
• Keep a list of your most common errors (or of the writers you are proofing) and proof for those on a separate "read."
• If you are editing within Word, use the "track changes" or "mark changes" function to make your comments apparent to other proofreaders.  Additions and deletions can be set to appear in different colors.
• Print it out and read it.  (My theory is that the light from my monitor tires out my eyes faster than the words on a piece of paper.  I can also read it while I'm sitting on the john.)
• Read down columns in a table, even if you're supposed to read across the table to use the information.  Columns are easier to read than rows.  Yes, Johnny?  No, I don't know why.  No, I don't think it has anything to do with reading Chinese.  Johnny, just try it and see if it works for you, too.  If it doesn't, then read the darn rows.
• When you are not the only proofreader, use editor's flags.  Put #s in the document where other reviewers need to pay special attention, or next to items that need to be double-checked before the final proof print.  And don't forget to do a final search for all # flags and remove them.

    Content Editing or Editing for Content

• Do the math, do the math, and then do it again.  Somehow between the screen and printer 5+5 becomes 11.
• Make a list of "bugaboo" words and do a search for them before final proof.   (Bugaboo: An imagined fear or threat, or a fear presumed larger than it really is.)  Include every swear word, words related to product terminology ("Dumpster" is capitalized!), and other words that pop up on occasion.  Then do a "find" for all these words.

    Proofreading Preparation-H(elper)

• Don't use fluorescent lighting when proofing.  Unless you're wearing your tin foil hat.  The flicker rate is actually slower than standard lighting.  Our eyes can't pick up inconsistencies as easily under fluorescent lighting.  
• Spend a half-hour a month reviewing grammar rules.

    Part Tree tomorrow.  Thank you for staying.   Oh, there's the bell!