150 Graphic Communications
The appropriate proofreader’s mark is placed in
the margin of the page to indicate the type of correction
to be made, Figure 7-34. This system is an effi cient
means of showing the compositor the location of the
fault and the desired correction. Proofreading marks
must be written clearly and should be exaggerated
so they are not overlooked. When needed, the
proofreader can write special notes pertaining to the
marks in the border. Sometimes, an extra sheet of
instructions may be attached to the copy or page
layout.
Proofreading Methods
Comparison proofi ng, or one-person proofi ng,
is done primarily to fi nd such major problems as copy
deletion, incorrect sequence, or copy duplication. It
is most suitable for small jobs with little copy. Using
this method, the proofreader scans through the proof
once to check for obvious errors or changes. The
proof is then placed next to the manuscript, and the
proofreader traces along the lines of the proof with
a pen while reading. Placing a straightedge across
the copy and moving it slowly down the page is also
helpful. To be consistent, the proofreader must always
compare the proof with the copy, not vice versa.
Period
Comma
Colon
Semicolon
Apostrophe
Open quotes
Close quotes
Hyphen
Dash (show length)
Parentheses
Wrong font
Lower case
Capitalize
Initial cap, then lower case
Small capitals
Initial cap, then small caps
Set in roman
Set in italics
Set in light face
Set in bold face
Superior character
Inferior character
Broken type
Invert
Push down
Spell out
Shilling mark (slash)
Ellipsis
See layout
Query
Delete
Delete and close up
Insert omitted matter
Let it stand
Insert space
Equalize space
Close up
Paragraph
Flush paragraph
Indent (show no. of ems)
Run in
Move right or left
Raise, lower
Center
Flush left, right
Align horizontally
Align vertically
Transpose
Transpose space
Punctuation
Paragraphing
Position
Spacing
Style of type
Miscellaneous
Delete and insert
Figure 7-33. Some commonly used proofreader’s symbols are presented in this chart. Although many of the
symbols are considered standard, there may be some variation from company to company.