Your attention should be drawn to the title of this article for one of two reasons: either you are interested in working as a proofreader or you find the wording to be offensive. A non-standard English word is “want to.” You probably came to one of two conclusions after reading this title: either the author purposefully made a mistake to catch your attention, or the author did not proofread the article very well. At Aaron Language Services, we constantly spot mistakes made by applicants for proofreading jobs. Although we don’t demand perfection, we do offer some suggestions to help proofreaders move closer to submitting quality work.

1. Thorough examination

It’s possible that you didn’t proofread your email. Any typos or other issues, however, can raise questions about the calibre of your work if you are looking for a proofreading job. The inaccuracies in the email message will raise questions about the proofreading job it is related to.

2. Three instances

An excellent proofreader can be borderline compulsive. Attention to detail is necessary to catch those final mistakes. Check everything at least three times for errors. It took me three readings before I realized that I had written “tree times” above rather than “three times.”

3. Intervals of time

It becomes more challenging to see errors if you read the same writing repeatedly. We advise you to spread out the three proofreadings over many days. This proofreading does not need to be done over several days for straightforward text. However, each reading ought to take place on a different day for a lengthier, more intricate paper.

4. Refreshed and awake

When we are rested and awake, we perform best. Because we read for meaning rather than for faults, proofreading can be challenging. When you perform your final proofreading, make sure you are alert and fresh.

5. Your word processor

Despite how obvious this advice is, many tend to disregard it. Please check your spelling.

6. Online directories

Inaccuracies in spell checkers exist. The spellchecker informed me that “proofreadings” was incorrect when I was composing this. Even though I was certain it wasn’t, I checked. Sometimes I am mistaken even when I feel confident.

7. When unsure

The majority of our questions can be answered with a few keystrokes on the Internet. Do some study if you don’t know something. Look for definitions and other references. To learn the accepted usage, check search engines.

8. Read

We learn how to write better and spot errors with the use of reference books. Utilize them to your advantage.

9. Reading

Reading is essential for anyone who wants to write, edit, or proofread more effectively. Reading provides us with the necessary unconscious language knowledge. You will begin to read more carefully overall as you read more books on writing, editing, and proofreading and as you write, edit, and proofread. You’ll see that Faulkner punctuated his lengthy descriptive lines, whereas Hemingway used short active sentences. You’ll notice more the more you read. Your writing, editing, and proofreading will improve the more you pay attention.

10. Interrupting

We do not live in a perfect world; occasionally, we are required to work. Take breaks and recharge. Do a page, then circle the room and repeat. Poor proofreading results from weary proofreaders.

Conclusion

It takes time to become a skilled writer, editor, or proofreader. It takes time to refine your work, revise it, and proofread it. These five suggestions can help you learn and improve. The abilities of writing, editing, and proofreading are not mysterious or innate. We will improve if we put effort into them. We wish you success as you hone your editing and proofreading abilities.