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Proofreading

Before you print - check and then check some more

 

Taking time to proofread is probably the most important part of the print process. Double check the information as well as the spelling and grammar.

Here are some tips to help you proofread your print:

  • Give it a rest - If time allows, set your text aside for a few hours (or days) after you've finished composing, and then proofread it with fresh eyes.
  • Look for one type of problem at a time - Read through your text several times, concentrating first on sentence structures, then word choice, then spelling, and finally punctuation. As the saying goes, if you look for trouble, you're likely to find it.
  • Read your text aloud - Or better yet, ask a friend or colleague to read it aloud. You may hear a problem (a faulty verb ending, for example, or a missing word) that you haven't been able to see.
  • Read your text backward - Another way to catch spelling errors is to read backwards, from right to left, starting with the last word in your text. Doing this will help you focus on individual words rather than sentences.
  • Ask for help - Invite someone else to proofread your text after you have reviewed it. A new set of eyes may immediately spot errors that you've overlooked.