Proofreading Pointers
Course # 124
Advertising Description:
Have you ever felt the frustration of finding an elusive typographical error after your document was delivered? If so, now is the time to establish (or reinforce) a quality proofreading process. We'll discuss ways to strengthen your proofreading skills, with the goal of creating error-free, professional documents.
Key Topics:
- Introduction to Achieving Error-free Copy
- Goal definition: "100% Error-free Copy"
- Benefits to you and your department
- Developing an eye, an ear, and an awareness for potential errors
- Fundamentals of Proofreading
- Distinguishing between proofreading and editing
- Frequently used proofreading marks
- "Proofreading Pitfalls" practice (based on common errors)
- Developing a Proofreading Process
- "Ode to the Typographical Error"
- What to look for:
- Common errors that perplex proofreaders
- Concerns with electronic documents: from spell check to layout issues
- Techniques for success
- Creating a Positive Proofreading Environment
- Establishing an environment conducive for quality
- Finding your "prime time"
- Effectively communicating with others (regarding timeline, questions, errors, etc.)
- Resources and Q&A
- Desk Resources
- On-line Resources
Objectives:
- Distinguish between proofreading and editing and learn frequently used proofreading marks.
- Acknowledge the benefits of establishing a consistent proofreading process.
- Gain knowledge and enhance skills needed for achieving "error-free" copy.
- Review common errors and discuss prevention strategies, resources, and methods to use for improving copy quality.
Participants (audience course is aimed at):
Any U of I staff or faculty member who is interested in the fundamentals of grammar and punctuation.