Whether you enlist the services of an editor or not, you should still want your book to leave your hands looking as professional as possible. In this second installment of proofreading tips, Xlibris Writer’s Workshop discusses more techniques from the experts for finding those embarrassing errors before anyone else does.

1)    Have someone else read your work. This is probably the most important tip and, unfortunately, the one most likely to be skipped by writers or bloggers rushing to post. Well, don’t skip it. There’s nothing like a second set of eyes checking your work, and not just for spelling or punctuation errors. Remember, you wrote the piece, so naturally you understand what you were trying to say. A second reader may find that the meaning isn’t so clear, or point out inconsistencies that you didn’t realize existed.

2)    Read it aloud. This will reveal mistakes you missed when you simply scanned the page silently. If the piece isn’t too lengthy, consider having it read aloud to you. One additional note: if you’re writing a screenplay, it’s VITAL that you have the script read aloud, and not by you! If your reader has difficulty with a line, whether due to sentence construction, word choice, or sentence length, it’s likely that an actor will have trouble too.

3)    Read it backwards. This technique, obviously, won’t help you with sentence construction errors, but it’s useful for finding spelling errors. When you read forward, you tend to get into the “flow” of a sentence and are more likely to miss spelling mistakes. Starting at the last line and working backwards breaks up that flow, and allows you to focus on each word individually.

4)    Proofread a printed copy of your work. There are several reasons for this. Most writers find that they are simply more successful at finding errors when they take a break from their monitors and use paper instead. Perhaps there’s just something about changing the format that allows you to read with a fresh eye. There’s another reason, though. When you proofread, you should only proofread; this is not the time for stylistic changes or reworking dialogue. If you’re proofreading on your computer, it’s too easy to slip back into “creative mode,” which will make you a less effective proofreader.

5)    Use your word processor’s spell checker, but don’t trust it completely. While not a replacement for a second set of eyes, a spell checker is still effective at calling attention to things you may have missed. They aren’t perfect though, so treat their advice as if it’s coming from your mom: listen to it, but don’t necessarily follow it.

In today’s world of e-publishing and blogging, where the “Publish Now” button is always close at hand, the potential for errors to make it to your readers has never been higher. By following these tips though, you maximize your chances of catching them in the draft stage.

Stay tuned for more tips on this vital stage of the self-publishing process! Xlibris thanks you for visiting, and looks forward to seeing you again at Writer’s Workshop! For more information, check us out at www.xlibris.com.

Original article here. http://www.xlibrisselfpublishing.com/editing-guidelines/xlibris-writers-workshop-presents-top-proofreading-tips-part-two/



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