A freelance proofreader looks over written materials and makes text corrections. She could be responsible for proofreading legal documents, reports, court transcripts, or news copy. A large number of proofreaders look over fiction and nonfiction books, as well as plays and scripts. She works as a freelancer from her home office or a building office that she has personally leased.
Format, comparison, and content work are the three most common types of proofreading projects. A freelance proofreader can offer all three services or specialize in one of them. Some projects necessitate a mix of proofreading services, while others only require one type of review.
The physical appearance of text is the subject of format proofreading. It is most commonly used in business letters, essays, scripts, and reports. The main points of concern are usually paragraph size, margins, and spacing consistency. In some cases, the form and syntax of outline formats and footnotes are checked.
If the reviewer is doing comparison proofreading, she usually has two documents to look at: the original and the draft. To ensure that the two documents are identical in this case, each character, punctuation mark, and word must be compared. Frequently, the original document is handwritten or a typed copy with handwritten notes on each page.
Content proofreading is generally regarded as the most time-consuming. The freelance proofreader is typically required to edit technical content as well as facts or the flow of the text for these types of jobs. She is expected to correct spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and terminology consistency as she reads the work. If the work is nonfiction and deals with irrefutable subjects like science or math, she is usually required to double-check the text for accuracy while making these technical edits. If the text is fiction, her job is to make sure the thoughts and images are logically organized and that the reader is presented with a coherent sequence of events.
A freelance proofreader is frequently required to have a good understanding of word processing, editing, and proofreading software, in addition to having an excellent command of the English language and in-depth knowledge of punctuation and grammar. While some proofreading jobs still require hard-copy documents, the vast majority of proofreading jobs are presented on CDs or sent via e-mail for review. Several proofreading software programs also include interactive features that allow the author and proofreader to view and edit the same document at the same time.
For a freelance proofreader, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. A bachelor’s degree in language arts or journalism is preferred most employers. Technical jobs often necessitate a working knowledge of specific terms and jargon. A proofreading test is frequently included in the hiring process.