Proofreader

Proofreaders do final checks on written work before it goes to print or becomes live on a website. Proofreaders work for newspapers, magazines, websites and publishing companies. They may specialise in specific fields or publications, such as business reports and academic works.
 

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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