Why Use a Proofreader?

I’m often surprised when people who publish written material tell me they never considered using a proofreader. Perhaps it hasn’t occurred to them that a second pair of eyes (and trained ones, at that) can spot things that the writers are just too close to. One of the mantras in proofreading training is: ‘Read what’s actually there, not what you think is there.’ 

I trained as a proofreader and copy editor with the Publishing Training Centre and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. We’re trained to look for specific problems, such as grammar, punctuation, consistency of style, headings, spacing, capitalisation, consistent use of -ise/-ize spelling, date styles, hyphenation… the list is long. It’s not quite as simple as spotting typos, which, let’s face it, most of us can do, especially if we haven’t written the material ourselves.

Professional proofreaders are systematic in their working methods. Several ‘passes’ are needed to filter out specific problems, using checklists and style guides. (We can even create a style guide for you.) And websites have unique issues that we look out for.

So why use a proofreader? Why not just rely on a spellchecker or Grammarly? Yes, you can use these tools. But will they spot the error lurking in a sentence like this?

It is now safe to touch the live wire.

A spellchecker doesn’t know the difference between ‘now’ or ‘not’; ‘bar’ or ‘bra’; ‘public’ or ‘pubic’. And Grammarly won’t check the consistency of your website’s layout, fonts, pagination, dates in company reports, or inconsistent spacing drops below headings. Nor will it necessarily be aware of your writing style, which might be deliberately informal or chatty. These days many proofreaders offer a hybrid service called ‘proof-editing’, which gives more editorial input and feedback on your writing. It’s a human touch.

Other reasons? Let’s look at it from your potential client’s point of view. Have you noticed, when you spot something wrong, how distracting that is and how an element of doubt creeps in? Wouldn’t you prefer to deal with a business that pays attention to detail? 

That’s why it’s a good idea to consider proofreading services for marketing products. Especially if you’ve designed your own website and revise the input from time to time.

Don’t give the reader any cause for distraction! A well-polished first impression will help keep your clients engaged on your business content, and just might clinch that hair’s-breadth decision not to click away.

If you are interested in finding out more about my services, do have a look at my website. And, of course, look out for me at Brummies Networking!

Ivor McGregor

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