Presented by Geri Ann Fuller Business Proofing & Editing Made Easy
What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing vs. Proofreading Editing is about content.! It s rewriting, revising, and cutting fat.! Proofreading is about correcting errors.
Editing vs. Proofreading Each task requires a different focus.! The Incredible Power of the Human Mind! Your brain will read incorrect words as if they are correct.
Editing vs. Proofreading Intelligence makes mistakes easier to miss.! Your brain is always thinking about meaning.!
Tips and Techniques Consider your audience.! Match your language and tone.! Have a clear purpose.
Consider tone. Cut the fat.
Cutting the Fat that which who there are it is
Sentence Structure Editing issue! Use short sentences.! KISS: Keep it short and simple.! Make each sentence a complete thought.! Use short paragraphs.
Except when...! You don t know the actor.! The point is the action.! The object is more important.! You want to avoid blaming.! You want to take the heat off yourself. When the subject does the action Use the Active Voice
It s failing to ask someone else to read the document.! The other person will catch things you missed. Proofreaders Top Mistake
Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors 1. Read backward. 2. Use a frame.
3. Review several times. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors Make a checklist.! Look for different errors with each pass.! Spell names correctly.! Prioritize proofreading tasks.
4. Proofread early. At the end of the day, you re tired.! Most of us are at our best in the morning. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors
5. Get your tools together. Getting up can break your concentration. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors
6. Don t proofread under fluorescent lamps. They take 30 percent of your brainpower.! Use natural light or an incandescent bulb. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors
7. Read a recent draft next to the original. Glitches can happen. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors
Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors 8. Don t trust grammar and spell check. Grammar check can be wrong.! Spell check can t tell if you used the correct word.
9. Proofread from a hard copy. Print it differently to surprise your eyes. Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors
Top 10 Guidelines for Hard-to-Spot Errors 10. Take frequent breaks.
Common Grammar Errors Short sentences can help avoid grammar errors.! Run-on sentences are 2 or more complete thoughts without punctuation separating them.
Common Grammar Errors Confusing subject and object! Ex: Each of the reports contain useful information.! A singular subject needs a singular verb.! Prepositional phrases will come between the subject and verb.
ommon Grammar Errors Confusing who and whom Misuse of the reflexive pronoun Don t use reflexive pronouns in place of an object pronoun.
Forgetting to use parallel structure Misplaced modifiers ommon Grammar Errors
Capitalization Capitalize:! 1. A person, place, or thing.! 2. The first word of a sentence.! 3. Seasons used as a proper noun or directions used to describe a geographic region.
Capitalize: 4. Titles when they come before a name. 5. Family relationships when used in place of a name. Capitalization
Abbreviations Abbreviate words that are part of an address.! Spell out the same words in a sentence.! Abbreviate titles when full names are used.
The rule of 10! Be consistent with all numerals in the same sentence.! Spell out numbers used to start a sentence.! Spell out approximate numbers.! Spell out ordinal numbers. Numbers
umbers Numbers are tricky, because you don t always know what they are supposed to be.! Read aloud to a partner.! Double-check math and phone numbers.
Phone Numbers, Names, and Addresses Dial numbers to ensure correctness. Numbers take more time and care.! People like to see their names spelled correctly.
Double-check addresses with a reliable source.! Double-check Web addresses. Phone Numbers, Names, and Addresses
Use the Z-scan technique.! Spell check can t find all errors.! Read the document out loud to look for incorrect words. Repetitions Oversights and
Do the work and check after yourself.! Not checking your mistakes can lead to major embarrassment.! Don t beat yourself up if you make a mistake. Summary
Welcome to Business Proofing & Editing Made Easy Q&A With Geri Ann Fuller
Thank you for joining us today!