Job Responsibilities: Proofreaders shoulder the initial editing burden by reviewing creative content across a variety of media and industries. Responsibilities depend on the employer’s needs and sometimes may expand into producing copy and improving processes. Current job opportunities frequently list the following duties for proofreaders:
- Proofread Written And Digital Work Product-Proofreaders do exactly what their job title suggests: they proofread materials for spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, consistency, and brand voice. Proofreaders review and markup written work, such as marketing materials (brochures and flyers) and internal documents. Proofreaders also proof digital communications and correspondence, including emails, press releases, and website text.
- Crosscheck References and Data-Proofreaders are tasked with ensuring the accuracy of content. They verify the accuracy of all referenced facts (e.g., dates, pages, values) and double-check cross-referenced materials (e.g., websites, newspapers). Proofreaders may also be required to maintain source and reference logs to support their work.
- Review Output for Consistency-Proofreaders also review content with an eye towards campaign, product, or brand consistency. Accordingly, proofreaders are familiar with company-wide work to maintain consistency.
- Collaborate with Team Members -Proofreaders, working as part of a larger editing team, attend team meetings, provide constructive editorial input, and communicate with team members to effectuate consistent, accurate, and high-quality work product.
- Improve Editing Processes-Proofreaders are often asked to suggest process improvements. Through their daily exposure to copy and procedures, proofreaders can evaluate and recommend changes to create efficiencies.
Job Skills: Proofreaders love the little details, and it shows in their work. The best proofreaders take pride in the quality of their product and are enthusiastic members of the editing team. Along with a bachelor’s degree, proofreaders bring the following skills to the editing table:
- Writing and editing – proofreaders that write well, edit well. So it should be no surprise that successful proofreaders are talented writers. And with good editing comes good proofreading. Proofreaders also are fluent in proofreading symbols, which remain relevant, notwithstanding Word’s ubiquitous track changes
- Computer proficiency – proofreaders work extensively on digital content and word processing software. As print media continues to decline, proofreaders will develop their computer skills to complete their job
- Detail oriented – a proofreader’s attention to detail is the centerpiece of his or her suite of editing qualities. Whether on paper or on screen, a proofreader needs to have a knack for catching the most trivial of errors, along with those most glaring
- Quick reader – with deadlines always around the corner, proofreaders read and edit quickly without sacrificing quality
- Resourcefulness – while crosschecking and verifying data, proofreaders track down the appropriate resources and address questions or issues in the copy that might require additional research. When faced with these hurdles, proofreaders know where to find answers to get the project to the finish line
- Multitasker – proofreaders are expected to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once. These priorities may change from day to day, so proofreaders are both flexible and persistent in their pursuit of the perfect copy