Proofreader Job Profile

What is the work like?

Proofreaders check written text after it has been edited and before it is printed or published. Most rewriting and corrections to spelling, grammar and style, will have been made at the copy editing stage (see the separate Copy Editor profile).

Proofreaders act as a final quality check, making sure that nothing has been missed by the copy editor or typesetter.

As a proofreader you would carefully check the 'proofs' (which show how the final pages will be laid out), using either a printed ('hard') copy or an on-screen version. Your main tasks would include checking:

• there are no errors such as letters in the wrong order
• all the material is included and is in the correct place
• page numbers are in the right order
• the document follows the 'house style'
• chapter titles match the list of contents
• there are no confusing word, column or page breaks
• illustrations have the right captions and relate to the text
• the layout is logical and attractive

You would mark necessary changes using British Standards Institution symbols, which are internationally recognised. When working directly on computer, you may use specialist software to mark up the document. If necessary, you would also produce a separate list of any queries which need to be resolved.

Before marking any changes which could have a major effect on overall layout, you would discuss them with your client. At this stage the changes could result in unacceptable costs and delay.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You do not need any particular qualifications to be a proofreader. Employers will usually be more interested in your experience than your qualifications. Many proofreaders have had previous experience in publishing, journalism or other related areas.

In practice, however, many proofreaders are graduates, so it could be an advantage if you have a degree, perhaps in English or in a subject which could become your specialist field for proofreading. For example, a science degree would be useful for proofreading scientific textbooks or manuals.

As a beginner, you can do short courses through the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and the Publishing Training Centre. You can also study the Publishing Training Centre Basic Proofreading course by distance learning. When you have completed the SfEP courses you can get support in establishing your career by applying to join the SfEP mentoring scheme.

See the SfEP and the Publishing Training Centre websites for more details.

What further training and development can I do?

In some publishing companies you will receive in-house training when you start work. You can also develop your skills by attending courses like those run by the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and the Publishing Training Centre.

As an experienced proofreader, you can join the SfEP accreditation and registration scheme. This involves passing a proofreading test and getting recommendations from clients.

It would be useful to become a member of professional bodies such as the SfEP, Women in Publishing and the Publishers' Association, as this would give you opportunities for support and professional networking. As a full member of SfEP, your details can be entered on the society's directory, which is a resource for those needing proofreading and editing services.

You could study for qualifications such as a degree or higher education diploma in publishing.

You would need to keep up to date with developments in publishing, and with technical skills such as changes in relevant computer software. You can do training in these areas by seminar and distance learning through the SfEP and the Publishing Training Centre.

View other print, packaging and design job profiles here.