Proofreader
Duties and tasks
- Check for correct grammar/spelling and makes edits as necessary
- Check that all photos/illustrations are correctly captioned
- Check that text is correct and matches the original, with consistent and correct styles
- Make sure page numbers, captions, headings are all correct
- Make sure the style is appealing/setup as its intended to be
- Mark corrections to be made and revise as necessary
Skills required
- A degree in English or a related field is helpful
- A keen eye for detail
- Ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Excellent communicators
- Excellent spelling/grammar skills
- Interest in publishing/writing/editing preferred
- Scrupulous about detailed work
Working conditions
Many Proofreaders are self-employed and work from home on a part-time basis, but others work full-time for the agencies/organizations listed above. In either case, their working environments are quite comfortable, though they may experience eye-strain from excessive reading/computer use. Proofreaders should generally bring excellent qualifications and experience to the table, as on-the-job training is not often provided.
Professional associations / Industry information
Canberra Society of Editors
http://www.editorscanberra.org/
Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance
http://www.alliance.org.au/
Society of Editors (NSW)
http://www.editorsnsw.com/
Society of Editors (Queensland) Inc
http://www.editorsqld.com/
Society of Editors (Tasmania)
http://www.tas-editors.org.au/
Society of Editors (Victoria)
http://www.editorsvictoria.org/
The Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd)
http://iped-editors.org
The Society of Editors (SA)
http://www.editors-sa.org.au/
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