<p>Proofreading can be tricky but it is essential. We are all human and no one is perfect. Typos happen to the best of us. If your business depends on the written word, make sure you follow these ten quick and simple tips to help eliminate those pesky grammar and spelling mistakes.</p>
<ol>
<li><b>Read and re-read.</b> Make sure that you read your material carefully and more than once. If necessary, print off a copy. Some people find it easier to proof if they can highlight a hard copy.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Take your time.</b> Time is money but not when proofing. Take it slowly. If you write quickly, chances are that you will jump over thoughts and miss jotting down important words. If you must write a thought down quickly before you lose it, just remember to go back over your work later.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Speak your words aloud.</b> Sometimes we can read silently to ourselves and fill in words that aren’t actually there. When reading aloud, this may still occur but the chances are that you will discover the skipped words.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Check your spelling.</b> Software capabilities make it so much easier nowadays to catch spelling and grammatical errors. Utilize these functions. They lessen the burden on your own eyes. Do not depend on these tools. Software spell checkers cannot detect a misplaced or duplicated word in a sentence when it is spelled correctly. <br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Get a second pair of eyes. </b> Have someone else look over your copy. It is amazing how much can be missed when you are absorbed in the material. When someone else looks at your copy for the first time, they can spot the smallest errors glaring out at them. Get a friend if you cannot hire a proofreader. For example, a second pair of eyes can find a double ‘it it’ when it should read ‘it is’.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Come to the table fresh.</b> Do not start proofing your copy at midnight. Keep distractions to a minimum. Turn the TV, music, or cell phone off. Proofreading does require focus and concentration. Make sure your lighting is adequate. Dim and flickering lighting should be avoided.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Check formatting.</b> Format errors are those little mistakes you find that involve fonts, spaces, extra tabs, page numbering, headers and footers, inactive links and the like. These errors can creep up on you.<br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Double check facts.</b> Check important information within your copy. Make sure your information is the most current and accurate. <br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Read backwards. </b> Reading backwards can help you focus on the words and not get distracted by meaning. Start from the last sentence and read until you reach your first sentence. <br /><br /></li>
<li><b>Tackle tables separately.</b> Check your index or table of contents one by one to avoid missing typos in these vital areas.</li>
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<p>These tips should help any business owner with their proofreading skills. It pays to use your time and energy wisely when proofing business material. If you don’t, you could be confronted with an embarrassing situation or a waste of money. Proofreading effectively can save your business image. Have you ever embarrassed your business image with a proofreading error?</p>
2008-03-18T20:44:42Z
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10-tips-for-proofreading
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2008-03-24T10:39:29Z
2008-03-24T10:39:29Z
<p>Nothing hurts your business image more than misspellings, typos and grammatical mistakes. Fortunately, proofreading can be easy if you know how to get the job done. Follow these 10 quick tips for proofreading ease and leave embarrassment behind.</p>
10 Tips for Proofreading
0
2009-02-24T09:43:27Z