Every writer knows that proofreading is a vital part of the writing process. It’s impossible to get your manuscript right on the first try, and it’s even harder to do so after you’ve spent weeks or months away from it. That said, let’s look at the main areas proofreading identifies. After all, if you’re making sure everything in your manuscript is perfect before submitting it, shouldn’t you use every tool at your disposal?
Redundant Words
Redundant words are the bane of a proofreader’s existence. They are words that don’t add anything to the meaning of your sentence, and they are easy to miss when you’re reading through your writing.
Missing Words
Missing words are one of the most straightforward errors to find. When you read your work, your brain will fill in missing words based on context and previous sentences. If a word is missing from a sentence, it will seem awkward or incomplete, but you may not notice, with you knowing what you meant to write.
Sentence Structure
Sentences are the building blocks of your text. They should be balanced, varied in length and structure, and use a variety of syntaxes. As well as this, each sentence should have its own voice; if you’re writing about two different topics, make sure that each sentence has its own style so that it doesn’t sound like you’re repeating yourself.
Punctuation
Punctuation is integral to a sentence and can make or break your writing. A misplaced comma or a period used instead of a question mark will interrupt the flow for your reader and could change the entire context of your sentence.
Spelling Mistakes
Spelling mistakes are easy to make, and even the best spell checkers can only catch some of them. This is where proofreading comes in. A proofreader can use context to determine if ‘there’ should really be ‘their,’ something you don’t want to get wrong when you publish.
Consistency in Formatting
Consistency in formatting is essential. It’s important to keep a consistent style throughout your document so that readers can concentrate on the content rather than being distracted by inconsistent formatting and layout. For example, if you change from using italics for emphasis at one point in your document and then switch to bold text later on. Confusing right?
Proofreading is a Must.
Proofreading is not just about spotting mistakes. It also ensures that your story flows naturally and reads well. If you plan on getting published, it’s worth getting someone else to proofread your work.
One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a proofreading service like Wordio. We will ensure that all the major areas above are reviewed and corrected before publication.
Conclusion
Proofreading can make or break your manuscript, which you should always pay attention to if you want to be taken seriously by publishers or agents. With many types of mistakes that need to be caught during this stage, the key is to find a proofreader you can trust to get the job done right. Wordio specializes in that kind of service. Check out what we have to offer here at Wordio.
We look forward to working with you!