Proofreading can be dry and mundane, but when you have some simple steps for proofreading it has the tendency to almost be fun.  Truth be told, proofreading is not just for writing, it can be used for anything from note taking to daily sticky notes.  You don’t know how many things have been taken out of context just because I didn’t take the time to do a quick proofread of a note I left for someone.

The first step toward great proof reading is to use a checklist.  A checklist allows for a quick outline of the important things that you want to convey.  It is used much like one would use an “outline” to start writing or developing a plan.  It seems like over doing it, but believe me a checklist is vital for developing great proofreading skills.

The second step is to fact check, too many times people accidentally plagiarize.  This can cause some serious creditably issues.  Make sure to check your work and fact check every thing you write.

The third step toward great proofreading is to spell-check.  There is no reason not to spell-check in this day of advanced technology; there are dictionaries and thesauruses everywhere.  You can easily down load an “app for that” and make sure to use it each time you proofread.

A step that has saved me more than once is the fourth proofreading step, read your writings aloud.  Reading aloud is different than reading something to yourself.  Often, if you read silently you will miss content, context, tenses or similar words such as their, there, and they’re.

That brings us to the fifth step toward great proofreading, focusing on one line at a time.  This one goes along with reading aloud.  While reading aloud you can take the time to focus on one line at a time.  Invest yourself in each line by developing powerful sentence structure.

Attention to formatting is the sixth proofreading step.  Formatting can be difficult, remember to utilize formatting options online for easier understanding of what is best for your writings.

Which brings us to proofreading step seven, which is start all over again and proofread your edits.  If you take the time to embrace each and every step, your proofreading skills will improve.

Happy Proofreading Writing

Jenice

Reference: Proofreading Helpers