proofreading marks online

Proofreaders’ Marks

29 Proofreading Marks and Symbols—The Key to Error-Free Writing

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Proofreading marks and symbols, also known as editing marks, are the strange red pen scratches that an editor or proofreader applies to a written piece of work to let the writer know what needs to be fixed. From missing periods to misplaced commas, paragraph breaks, and parts to omit, these marks act like a secret code between the editor and writer.

If you’re a writer looking to work with a professional editor or proofreader or to start offering these services to writers, you need to understand what these symbols mean.

When I initially started collaborating with an editor and using a proofreading service, I had no idea what any of the symbols were when I got my draft back full of weird marks. It took a while to learn them all, and now I’m putting them together with a breakdown of each.

My guide lists each proofreading mark and symbol and defines them with quick explanations and a handy image as a visual reminder. I’ll even include some tips on how to use proofreading symbols.

Ready to master the 29 most common proofreading marks and symbols? Let’s get started!

What Are Common Proofreading Marks and Symbols?

Are you ready? Like, really ready? This list is long but includes every main proofreading mark and symbol you might need to know.

The delete symbol is commonly used in proofreading to indicate the removal of a word or letter. It helps identify over-repeated words, unnecessary adverbs and adjectives, and overused terms within the text.

The caret symbol indicates where a word or element should be added to the text. It suggests inserting a word or element to improve the sentence’s clarity or completeness.

Proofreaders use this symbol to indicate the correction of unequally wide or double spaces in writing. Remove or close the extra space between words if you see this symbol.

New Paragraph

This symbol signals the need to start a new paragraph. It’s commonly used in dialogue exchanges in stories or when the writer introduces a new idea in their essay.

The number or pound sign indicates that you should add space between the two words. It’s commonly used to correct missing spaces, especially in compound words.

It is used to indicate that two characters, words, or sections should be swapped in position.

Use this proofreading symbol if a word should start with a capital letter instead of lowercase letters. You can also use the sign for multiple capital letters in the word.

This symbol indicates that a word should start with a lowercase letter instead of a capital one.

This mark signals that a word should be styled in italics.

This mark indicates that a specific word should be formatted in bold typeface.

It’s a Latin term that means “let it stand.” Proofreaders use stet to warn the writer to disregard a previous correction or deletion.

This mark indicates that the beginning of a paragraph should be indented. One square represents a one-space indent, while two squares side by side indicate a two-space indent.

Align Horizontally

This proofreading symbol is used to let the author know that the text is not horizontally aligned and may need adjustment to ensure proper alignment.

Align Vertically

This symbol indicates that the text within those lines should be adjusted or aligned vertically with nearby text or elements on the page for better visual consistency and readability.

Center Text

It indicates that the text should be centered on the page. It is typically used for titles, headings, or any text that requires center alignment for aesthetic or formatting purposes.

This mark lets the writer know that numbers or abbreviations should be fully written in words, especially if they follow certain style guides.

Move Left/Right/Up/Down

• The move left symbol suggests that the text should be shifted to the left for proper alignment.
• The move right symbol indicates a need to shift the text to the right.
• The move up symbol signifies that the text should be moved upward.
• The move down symbol denotes a need to move the text downward.

Reduce Space

Editors and proofreaders use this to tell the writer that the spaces between words or letters should be reduced.

Delete and Close Up

This mark is used to indicate that a letter should be deleted and that no space should be left behind.

Insert a Hyphen

It is used to indicate that a hyphen should be added where one is missing between words or in compound modifiers.

Insert a Period

It indicates that a period should be added where one is missing at the end of a sentence.

Insert a Comma

It shows where a comma should be added to improve sentence clarity or grammatical correctness.

Insert Quotation Marks

This symbol is used to add missing quotation marks at the beginning and end of direct speech or quotations.

Insert Apostrophe

Editors use this one to show where an apostrophe is needed, like in contractions, or to indicate possession.

No Paragraph

It’s a symbol used when a new paragraph has been incorrectly placed, and the text should continue without a break.

Push to the Next Page/Line

Editors will use this mark when the text or paragraph should be moved to the beginning of the next line or page to improve layout or readability.

Pull to Previous Page/Line

This symbol suggests pulling text back to the end of the previous line or page for better formatting or coherence.

Circled Number

When you see numbers in circles, these indicate multiple instances of the same correction.

How to Use Proofreading Marks

Whether you’re old-school with pen and paper or tech-savvy on the latest digital platform (or a combo of both, like me!), mastering these symbols is your rite of passage into the editing community. Here are some basic tips to help you become more familiar with using them.

Guidelines for Applying Proofreading Marks on Physical Manuscripts

• Grab a pen: Red is best, but any color will do as long as it’s not black or blue. Tradition dictates red, but any color that screams “Look at me!” and is legible will do just fine.
• Be consistent: Choose your symbols and stick with them. Changing halfway through is like switching languages mid-conversation.
• Clarity is key: Your squiggles, lines, and loops should be unmistakable. If it looks like ancient hieroglyphs, you’re doing it wrong. These marks are meant to make the editing process easier and quicker, but if the editor scribbles too much, the writer won’t understand what they mean.
• Margin notes are a reliable friend: Sometimes, a symbol just won’t cut it. Feel free to jot down a note in the margin for extra clarity.
• Double-check your work: Once you’ve marked it all up, go back and ensure you got everything, or mark something you didn’t mean to.

Tips for Using Proofreading Symbols in Digital Editing

• The Track Changes feature is your bestie: Most word processors have it, and it’s a game-changer for digital editing. When turned on, Track Changes will literally track and mark everything you change.
• Comments gold: Unsure about something? Leave a comment in the document attached to the text in question. It’s like margin notes but without the risk of smudging.
• Highlight like it’s going out of style: Use different color choices to highlight text and show various types of edits or to prioritize changes.
• Shortcuts and macros save lives: It may not be as dramatic as that, but they definitely save time. Learn the shortcuts for common editing commands in your word processor so that you never have to stop and search.
• Embrace editing software: Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid are designed to make digital editing a breeze. Find your match and learn its ins and outs. Psst! I highly recommend Grammarly.

Another option is to use a proofreading mark plugin. This allows editors to proofread on word processors without having to memorize every single one of these symbols.

To insert the plugin, open your browser and go to the Greg Maxey website. Select “Resources,” then click “Proofreader Marks Add-in.” You’ll find it at the end of the page.

Then, it will open a dialog box with some prompts you need to follow. Open MS Word and you will see a new “Proofreading Marks: section on the “Add-Ins” tab. Now, you can apply proofreading marks on your document like a professional proofreader.

When proofreading, you must drag the cursor over the text that needs a mark. Then, select the drop-down menu under the ribbon and choose the correct mark. Remember to save your changes.

Transitioning from Traditional to Digital Proofreading

Gone are the days when editing meant paper cuts, White-Out, and red ink-stained fingers. Welcome to the digital age, my friends, where proofreading has gone electronic! But don’t worry; the basics of proofreading remain the same, even if the tools have evolved.

Traditional marks now have their digital counterparts: strikeouts, insertions, comments, etc. Software and digital platforms have embraced these age-old practices, ensuring that even in a world of screens, the heart of editing beats on.

Everything You Need to Know about Proofreading Marks

I hope my guide on proofreading and editing symbols with examples will empower you to spot errors in writing more effectively. We covered a pretty comprehensive list, didn’t we? We even touched on a few tips for using proofreading marks and symbols and adapting to digital tools.

Keep practicing until you’re ready to start a proofreading career. And let us know if you have questions about proofreading mark making. We always have a ton of helpful advice and tips right on our site, so don’t be shy!

Check out some others we covered:

• Best Books for Editors
• Proofreading Errors From Typos to Tangles
• 21 Reasons Why Proofreading Is Important
• How to Proofread Like A Professional

Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

2024 © Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. All rights reserved.

TRY OUR FREE APP

Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.

Craft your masterpiece in Reedsy Studio

Plan, write, edit, and format your book in our free app made for authors.

Blog • Understanding Publishing

Last updated on Dec 06, 2022

What Do Proofreading Marks Mean?

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

Having your work come back from an editor covered in red pen is daunting to begin with. Receiving a manuscript that's covered in proofreading marks that might as well be hieroglyphics can be even more intimidating.

But before you reach for your cipher wheel, remember that the purpose of proofreading marks isn’t to confuse you. It’s to provide a detailed roadmap to a professional and polished final manuscript . While independent authors are not likely to spring for large print runs that would be ruined by more than a couple of typos — proofreading still remains an essential step for most serious self-publishers.

These days, it’s unlikely for the proofreading process to occur via pen-and-paper, meaning that the use of proofreading marks is also becoming increasingly rare. Most proofreaders used tools such a “tracked changes” to flag issues — and many indie authors choose to forgo professional proofers for software such as Grammarly or the simple red, dotted line that signifies a typo in processors such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

That being said, screen fatigue is a real thing, and there’s something about a hard-copy document that seems to draw the eye to errors more than a digital one. So if you’re working with a proofreader and want to ensure the collaboration fulfills its top potential, it’s worth getting to know the meaning of the more common proofreading marks.

So, without further ado…

What are proofreading marks?

Proofreading marks are used to highlight spelling, vocabulary, grammatical, and punctuation errors, along with formatting and layout issues.

When proofreaders are editing a hard-copy manuscript, they will leave corrections on both sides of the margins: on the left-hand margins for corrections in the first half of the sentence and on the right-hand side for corrections in the latter half of the sentence. A corresponding mark will also be included in-line to indicate where the issue is.

Alright, now let’s take a look at these formidable editing symbols.

Proofreading marks chart

The following proofreading symbols are taken from The Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition. While in-house style guides may vary from publisher to publisher, these symbols are standard across the industry.

Let’s start with operational marks, which cover everything from spelling to sentence structure to improper spacing.

• The “delete” symbol on its own will refer to a word, while “delete and close up” will refer to a letter in a word.
• The “let it stand” symbol would be used when more than one round of proofreading was done, and it indicates that a correction or alteration should be ignored.
• The “transpose” symbol indicates the order of words needs to be changed (spot the transpose problem).

Next up are the punctuation marks, which — you guessed it — indicate that punctuation needs to be added .

Then there are typography marks, which denote formatting corrections.

Lastly, these are common abbreviations used by proofreaders to indicate issues related to the copy itself.

The importance of proofreading

Ensuring that your book is polished and error-free is just as important to the reader experience as the writing quality. Your book can’t effectively communicate if the reader is constantly paused by spelling mistakes, awkward sentence structures,       or      uneven       spacing.

Here's what these proofreading marks look like in use, when a proofreader returns a manuscript, and when their suggestions have been incorporated:

Looking to get your book proofread?

First, we recommend doing as much of the work yourself as possible. Here are a few resources that will help:

• Reedsy Studio will point out spelling and grammatical errors as you go.
• How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript Like a Pro is a free Reedsy Learning course covering the ten most common writing mistakes — how to find and how to fix them.
• What to Expect From Beta Readers is an informative blog post about how to work with beta readers to get your book ready for publication.
• What Are Sensitivity Readers? is all about the controversial topic of sensitivity readers and what they actually do .

Free course: How to self-edit like a pro

Rid your manuscript of the most common writing mistakes with this 10-day online course. Get started now.

Once you’ve done all the proofreading work you can, we encourage you to consider working with a professional. Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process and will ensure your book fully meets its potential for success.

The average costs of working with a professional proofreader on Reedsy are:

• $350 for a 40k-word book
• $520 for a 60k-word book
• $700 for an 80k-word book

Head to our marketplace to request quotes from a variety of professional proofreaders for free, or check out this post for more information on what you might expect to pay for professional proofreading services.

Continue reading

Recommended posts from the Reedsy Blog

How to Format a Book in Google Docs in 7 Simple Steps

While there are much better alternatives, here's how you can format a book in Google's popular writing app.

The 6 Best Ghostwriting Companies to Write Your Book

Learn which companies you can trust if you want to find a ghostwriter to write your next book.

How to Publish a Book For Free: The 7 Best Sites

If you want to publish your book without spending a single dime, check out this handy list of 7 free self-publishing services.

5 Ways to Save on Your Self-Publishing Budget

If you want to self-publish a book without breaking the bank, here are 5 tips to ensure you still get the best result possible.

30 Great Book Dedication Examples to Inspire Your Own

A list of 30 of the best book dedications in the business that'll have you crying, laughing, and crying laughing.

Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information

Expository writing is a fundamental part of how we learn and make sense of the world. Learn all about it in this post.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Let us test your proofreading skills!

Take our 2-minute quiz and get your grade.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

• Proofreading Courses
• Side Hustle Blog
• eBooks for Freelancers
• More Freelancer Resources
• Join Free Workshop

Proofreading Marks

The ultimate guide to proofreading marks.

If you work in the publishing, transcription, or editing fields, you’ll most likely recognize the standard proofreading marks that are used to annotate written works, but sometimes a symbol will pop up that makes you question everything you know.

Whether you’re a writer who is trying to translate proofreading marks into action or a professional proofreader who needs a refresher on common symbols, this article will de-mystify proofreading marks and their uses.

What Are Proofreading Marks?

Physical copy proofreading uses marks in the left and right margins of the paper and within the double-spaced lines to show changes that need to be made. Today, most of these changes are tracked in a word processor or applied directly to the text.

Most proofreaders and editors use a standard system of marking to make the edits and suggestions easy to understand. Therefore, it’s important to understand what proofreading marks mean and how to translate them into tracked changes.

Here are common proofreading marks found in hard-copy annotation and notes on how they are used in digital annotation.

Common Proofreading Marks

Proofreaders’ marks, though standardized, may vary depending on the region. For example, different proofreading marks are used in different dialects — American English proofreading marks differ slightly from British English styles. However, there are several common marks commonly used by most organizations. The symbols are divided into operational signs, typographical signs, and punctuation marks.

Markings are typically made in the color red, with one mark — accompanied by an abbreviation — in the margin to explain the change and one in the exact place of the error. Some proofreaders annotate in green or another color to avoid making writers feel stressed at the sight of so many red “error” marks on their returned works.

Here’s a rundown of the most common proofreading marks and their most likely variations based on the APA 7th Edition and the Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition standards.

Operational Signs

Operational proofreading marks or signs indicate changes in text organization. For example, moving a paragraph or splitting it, spelling out a word, or abbreviating.

This section doesn’t include punctuation changes, additions, or subtractions. Operational signs also don’t include text additions or subtractions or text style changes like italics or bolding.

Typographical Signs

Typography signs refer to the words in the text. These signs mark the use of capitalization, lowercase letters, italics, bold, roman type, font, and misspellings.

Typography proofreading uses the caret to indicate the location of the change in the text, and usually an abbreviation in the margin of that line. Abbreviations give more information about the needed change, and the caret indicates where the change is needed.

Punctuation Marks

Punctuation proofreading marks are often described in the margin with a caret inside the text to show where the change needs to happen. The punctuation marks might also be located within the text and inside the caret with no marginal note.

Some common errors noted by proofreaders are the uses of the em dash, en dash, and hyphen , and inserting the proper mark digitally requires different typing operations depending on the word processor or platform used to write.

How to Use Em Dashes, En Dashes, and Hyphens:

• Insert em dash — The em dash is the longest dash, and it’s used similarly to the colon, comma, and parentheses to separate clauses. Word processors generally recognize a triple hyphen as an em dash.
• Insert en dash — The en dash is shorter than the hyphen and longer than the em dash. En dashes are used to denote ranges like dates, distances, or destinations. Word processors generally recognize a double hyphen as an en dash.
• Insert hyphen — The hyphen is a single dash that’s used to join words. Use a hyphen in compound modifiers when the modifier precedes the word it modifies.

Refer to the dictionary to confirm the use of a hyphen in words because word stylization can change. For example, trends in pop culture changed the word “base-ball” to closed compound “baseball” when the sport was popularized in the US.

Proofreading Abbreviations

Proofreading abbreviations are common in hard-copy annotating, but they’re useful to annotate digitally too. Abbreviations are usually found in the hard-copy text’s margin, though digital proofreading abbreviations can be found either in the margin or in a comment.

Abbreviations commonly used in annotating include

• (sp): Spell out in full
• (dict): Faulty diction
• (wdw): Too wordy
• (awk): Awkward construction
• (t): Verb tense problem
• (ww): Wrong word
• (r-o Run-on sentence
• (rep): Unnecessary repetition

Abstract Symbols

Special characters, or abstract symbols, are rarely used but may be needed in a text to formally denote currency, mathematical processes, legal ownership, and foreign letters or punctuation.

Word processors and other digital platforms include abstract symbols in the toolbar. You can also use the following keys to input these abstract symbols:

Legal Symbols

Currency Symbols

Math Symbols

Foreign Languages

Foreign Language Symbols

Lesser common abstract symbols and a detailed explanation are available from Google.

How to Use Proofreading Marks & Symbols with Different Software

If you’re working with a word processor like Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or iAnnotate, use the commenting and Track Changes systems to proofread the work. These systems involve an automatic feedback process that avoids in-text strikethroughs and font changes that call for manual attention.

To leave proofreading feedback that isn’t standardized, straightforward, or otherwise easily understood in a comment or tracked change, use the processor’s Insert Symbol function to insert feedback.

Here’s a basic way to create and use proofreading symbols on Microsoft Word and iAnnotate.

Proofreading Marks in Microsoft Word

Luckily for Microsoft Word users, proofreading on a Mac or PC works the same. Proofreaders don’t need to use traditional proofreading marks on Microsoft Word due to the brilliance of the “Track Changes” feature. This feature allows all users to see suggested edits and changes. The user can then accept or reject the suggestions.

To turn on Track Changes, click on the Review tab, then toggle the switch to turn on Track Changes. You can also find the Tools dropdown menu, then select Track Changes. Choose Highlight Changes for more detailed proofing preferences — like color, spacing, and comment balloon style.

After proofreading, the owner can click the checkmark on the suggestion balloon to apply an edit suggestion, or the X ignores the suggestion and keeps the original text.

You can also go to the Review Pane for a list of overall suggested changes.

You can also save all of your edit versions in one document by clicking Protection < Document, and you can add the optional password to control access.

If you don’t like the suggestion bubbles, a good way to add suggestions is in a comment at the end of the text.

To see a full walk-through, check out this video by Caroline Morris .

Proofreading Marks in iAnnotate

iAnnotate is a popular tool for proofreading because proofreaders are able to mark up a text with a digital pencil, or their finger, in the same way that a physical text would be annotated.

This program also includes the ability to customize the symbols toolbar and the ability to edit and move annotations.

Common proofreading operations available using iAnnotate include:

• Margin annotations — can be added with the pencil tool, the typewriting tool, or with a photo or sound clip.
• Text marking — can be done with the highlighter tool, underline, strikeout, and shapes.

The platform doesn’t include pre-made proofreader marks, but the stamp feature offers another way for proofreaders to annotate a document. You can use the stamp to create your own traditional proofreader marks, such as margin abbreviations, and save the stamps to the toolbar for a simplified and personalized proofreading experience.

The iAnnotate user guide can help new users troubleshoot problems, and Proofread Planet has some wonderful walk-through videos to help explain iAnnoate functions.

Proofreading marks and digital suggestions are important to communicate to a writer what needs to be changed in the text and why. Clear edit communication helps with the healthy evolution of the text as well as the writer’s ongoing writing improvement.

We hope that this article gave you the refresher or explanation, that you needed to continue on your writing, publishing, editing, or proofreading journey. If you need a more detailed explanation of proofreading marks and how they are used, make sure to check out our FREE General Proofreading course workshop .

If you’re looking for more grammar goodness, check out our courses to learn more about proofreading and how to turn it into a career, and follow our Instagram and Facebook for more proofreading tips & tricks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Awesome information! Thanks!

You deserve praise for addressing each type of proofreading marks in such a comprehensive way.

I enjoyed your article very much. You have provided a lot of good and interesting information for me and everyone. Thank you very much.

Very useful information presented in a concise way. Thanks!

I have trouble with foreign language symbols. For instance, the Nordic O (Ø) can be done by pressing Alt + 0216, but it does not work for me..because in order to type numbers, I have to hold the shift button as well.

Fantastic resource! This guide on proofreading marks is incredibly thorough and easy to understand. It's a great tool for both beginners and seasoned editors. Thanks for making it so accessible and user-friendly!

Posts You Might Like

Side hustles for teachers, get paid to proofread, writing a romance novel.

Your Guide to Proofreading Marks

Proofreading marks, also called  “proofreaders’ marks ,” “ proofreading marks ,” and “ editing marks ,” signify mistakes in printed copy. Proofreaders and editors generally note mistakes on the page with a red pen . 

Though much editing, like the editing done here at EditorNinja, is now done digitally within shared docs and other word processors, written proofreading marks are still vital to all kinds of students, teachers, freelancers, and publishers.

Looking for proofreading services? EditorNinja’s professional proofreading services can save you hours of time per week  so you can focus on what yo u love more. Schedule a free Intro Call to learn more. If you’re a proofreader looking for work, apply to EditorNinja’s extended network of writers and editors .

All the Proofreading Marks That are Fit to Print

Here’s a list of some of the most common proofreading marks, culled from well-established sources like Northwestern University and the Chicago Manual of Style. 

Two Proofreading Symbols — In Text and In Margin

Lastly, you should know that many proofreading marks have both a textual mark and a marginal mark. 

• A textual mark means that the symbol is written on the text to be changed
• A marginal mark , which is placed in the margin, is a symbol or abbreviation that explains the textual mark. 

However, many editors may forgo the marginal mark, and in many cases, the “marginal” mark will be written immediately above or below the text. That’s the reason your teachers always wanted your essays double-spaced.

Proofreading Marks have Wiggle Room

Now, proofreading marks are not a hard science. Though most “official” organizations, like style guides and big publishing houses, agree upon a number of symbols, there’s plenty of wiggle room—meaning, you will find a lot of variation among sources. 

To illustrate the point, let’s consider insertion, i.e. , putting in a missing letter or a bit of punctuation. 

While many kinds of insertion have their own particular symbols in theory, these rules aren’t always followed in practice. For example, to insert a period, most guides will say the proofreader should draw a period with a circle around it, but to insert a letter or word, a carat (^ or ⌄) is used. Further, to insert a parenthesis, the proofreader will write a parenthesis with two horizontal lines through it. 

However, proofreaders and editors may not always follow these individual rules. Instead, they may use circles or carats at will, or they may only write what they want to be inserted without any extra symbols at all.

Additionally, publishers, editors, and English teachers often have their own systems of proofreading symbols. Personally, I use arrows when I find that material needs to be reorganized, and, following in the footsteps of my middle school English teachers, I will use the abbreviations “CD” and “CM” for “concrete detail” and “commentary.” (Shoutout to Mrs. Randall.)

Proofreading Mark Examples & Symbols in Context

Below, you’ll see a sheet with all the symbols and examples of their usage, as well as what the edited text would look like. (Or, in some cases, might look like — though inserting a period or fixing a word’s spelling is pretty objective, responding to a comment like “awkward” or “too wordy” is more open-ended.)

Schedule a free Intro Call today to learn more about how EditorNinja can help you improve the content you’re publishing.

WRITER > GUIDES

Publish confidently by proofreading to perfection

“Writing without revising is the literary equivalent of waltzing gaily out of the house in your underwear.” — Patricia Fuller

We’re pretty open-minded, but we generally recommend that writing be at least partially dressed before sharing it with the world.

Now that just about everyone is a writer, just about everyone is a proofreader too, when you think about it. Which is why we believe now is the time to get clear about what exactly proofreading entails in our modern world.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading refers to carefully checking for writing and formatting errors in a text before it’s published. It’s the final step in making sure a piece of writing is as close to “perfect” as possible by double-checking for punctuation and spelling errors, typos, and any inconsistencies. The most important purpose of writing is to communicate your thoughts effectively. This, however, is better suited for the editing phase, not the proofreading phase. While proofreaders will check for clarity in consistency, they’re more focused on minor errors that may have slipped through. When you proofread, you evaluate the content in what will be its final, published form, or a proof. (Get it now?) Proofreaders look at more than just the words — they’re scanning for any formatting errors as well. Proofreading marks are either made on paper, or in comments and digital notes in Google Docs and word processing software, to alert the writer of suggested corrections within a document. There are both US and UK English conventions for proofreading. The final step of any personal or business writing process, proofreading is the process of identifying and correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

The difference between proofreading and editing

It’s important to note that proofreading and editing are not the same. Editing involves a different skill set and is usually more time-consuming. Though there are various stages to the entire editing process, copy editing and proofreading are the two most common. Coincidentally, they’re also the two that get mixed up the most. Though developmental, structural, and line editing all deserve their time and place , they’re seen less frequently in the world of digital content creation. These parts of the editing process are better reserved for lengthier works, such as books, investigative journalism, essays, instructional works, and magazine articles. The terms copy editing and proofreading are often used interchangeably by those not familiar with the space. These two are not the same, though, and it’s crucial to be aware of their differences if you’re anyone working with written content.

Copy editing Copy editing takes place before proofreading and involves a more thorough shake down of the content at hand. Copy editors will look for things such as readability, grammar, spelling, style, syntax, and punctuation depending on what style guide they’re following. In this stage of the editing process, it’s okay to offer revisions that will require additional writing.

Examples of what a copy editor might comment: Point out wordy sentences, suggest change in word choice, fix punctuation marks in a sentence.

Proofreading Proofreading occurs after copy editing. Though proofreaders look for grammar and punctuation, they’re also focused on the overall formatting of the piece. They’re the last set of eyes before publication, so it’s their job to ensure the text is as close to perfect as it can get. No drastic changes will happen here — that’s the job of all the editors who came before.

Examples of what a proofreader might comment: Fix bad line breaks, change improper punctuation, point out incorrect page numbers.

How to proofread

Traditionally, proofreading is meant to be a relatively rapid and focused process of making sure writing is free of minor errors, such as typos that may have occurred during a more rigorous round of editing. For online publishing and blogging — which often includes transferring of content from a word processing document to a CMS (content management system) — proofreading includes making sure that formatting is correct. Adhering to a style guide — whether that be the Associated Press Stylebook , Chicago Manual of Style , or your own — is another vital part of the process. Consistency is key, and proofreaders need to be aware of what rules to follow for the given copy.

Common things to double-check when proofreading

• Links function properly and direct readers to the right pages
• Words — especially names and organizations — are spelled correctly
• Formatting appears as it was intended — bolds, italics, indentations, new paragraphs, and fonts are correct
• Proper punctuation is used throughout
• Capitalization is correct
• No “bad breaks,” such as widows or orphans
• Helpful information such as an FAQ section exists
• Consistent tenses throughout the piece
• No subject-verb agreement issues
• Headline or email subject is clear
• Citations match the brand style guide
• No misplaced or misused commas
• Voice and style are consistent throughout

When is the best time to proofread text?

The best time to proofread is during every project’s final stage, after revisions are done and copy editing has been completed. Proofreading is the last step. If you’re wondering what time is the best, we advise after morning coffee and before your deadline. Because the proofreading process is intended to be the final step before publishing or hitting “send,” the changes should be relatively minor — meaning, catching typos or errors that may have slipped by. In other words, proofreading is not the phase where you should be completely reworking a paragraph or changing the direction of your main points. Proofreading is not the time to decide that you’ve changed your stance on an important topic — that kind of change should happen during the initial planning, thesis-writing, or outline phase of your writing. In this stage, you also shouldn’t completely overhaul a piece of writing from, say, a 1,500-word blog post to a 3,000-word help article. That work should have been done during the developmental editing phase.

Top proofreading techniques and tricks

Ask someone else to proofread for you Get a pair of fresh eyes on your writing. After spending so much time on your work, you’ll be apt to accidentally glaze over errors and typographical errors. It’s like a crooked painting in your house — you don’t notice it until someone else points it out. If you have to proofread your own work, step away Close your document, shut down your computer, and take a break from staring at the screen for a few hours (the longer, the better). Go for a walk, sip some coffee, and you’ll have a fresher set of eyes when you return. Focus on one thing at a time When you’re on high-alert for every type of proofing error, it’s easier to miss some mistakes. Instead, try combing a paper only for punctuation, then again for spelling mistakes, and so on. Come back to it if you’re tired Don’t ever try to proofread at the end of the day when your attention span is nil, and all you want to do is sleep. Sleep on it and try again in the morning. Proofreading with a set of sleepy eyes is as good as not proofreading at all. Print it out Editing a hard copy — and not a digital one — will help you see your writing from a different perspective. It feels different, and putting pen to paper feels more substantive and also satisfying. Read it out loud Reading your own writing out loud is a great way to catch any misspelled words or wonky sentences you might’ve missed before. While it might feel funny at first, you’ll find yourself noticing things such as run-on sentences that you wouldn’t have otherwise when reading it silently. Allot two days to proofread Ideally, proofreading should happen at least two days before a deadline. This ensures that you’ll have enough time to implement changes with one more round of proofing to come. Take into consideration the length of your writing — the longer it is, the longer proofing will take. Use an AI proofreading tool You can use an AI writing assistant to help with proofreading digital content. Nowadays, the top ones on the market are programmed to catch spelling, grammatical errors, and some even help you adhere to your style guide . For example, Writer uses AI to catch and correct common writing mistakes — as well as ones personal to your company’s style guide — and ensure your text is ready to share. Proofreading example Editors and professional proofreaders usually check a printed “proof copy” of the text and make corrections using specialized marks. In the digital realm, proofreaders work with AI writing assistants. Most of these online proofreading and editing services also include plagiarism checkers to identify duplicate content on the web and provide an efficient solution for the publication.

Improve your proofreading skills with Writer

With edits occurring more frequently in the “tracked changes” on Microsoft Word or in suggestions on shared Google Docs, proofreaders find themselves doing their job digitally. And in a world flooded with copy and content, it’s crucial to ensure your words stand out, for all the right reasons. Writer is much more than just a spell check — think of it as your very own professional proofreader. And if you’re looking to implement language and content consistency company-wide, Writer has that too. Take your proofreading up a notch by publishing a living, breathing style guide that Writer implements almost anywhere you produce copy. With terminology management , custom writing style rules, snippets, and more, you don’t ever have to worry about your content being flooded with errors.

Illustration by Daniel Zender

Level-up your writing with Writer, your very own proofreader.

Free online proofreading and essay editor

A reliable proofreading tool and essay editor for any writer or student, a complete environment.

Typely is more than just a proofreading tool. It's a complete writing environment.

Thousands of checks

More than a thousand checks are being performed and we've only scratched the surface.

Inspired by the greatest writers

Gain access to humanity’s collective understanding about the craft of writing.

A proofreading tool that does not bark at every tree

Typely is precise. Existing tools for proofreading raise so many false alarms that their advice cannot be trusted. Instead, the writer must carefully consider whether to accept or reject each change.

We aim for a tool so precise that it becomes possible to unquestioningly adopt its recommendations and still come out ahead — with stronger, tighter prose. Better to be quiet and authoritative than loud and unreliable.

Relax, focus, write your next masterpiece...

Writing presumes more than simply laying out words on a paper. Typely helps you get in the mood and keeps you focused, immersed and ready to write your story.

Whether you need a distraction-free environment, some chill relaxing sounds or a pomodoro timer to manage your time we got you covered.

Got questions? We have answers.

No. Typely is completely free and we plan on keeping it that way. We are considering some advanced features however that might be available under a premium plan.

The only limit we have applied thus far is on the number of characters you can submit and that is being set at a maximum of 50,000.

In theory yes but that will require a lot of work and professionals dedicated for this job. We are considering a way of letting the community participate somehow.

Typely does not do grammar checking because it's hard and almost impossible to get right. The aim for Typely is to be precise and reliable.

Free Essay and Paper Checker

Try our other writing services

Correct your entire essay within 5 minutes

• Proofread on 100+ language issues
• Specialized in academic texts
• Corrections directly in your essay

Correct your entire essay in 5 minutes

Why this is the best free essay checker.

Tested most accurate

In the test for the best grammar checker , Scribbr found 19 out of 20 errors.

No signup needed

You don’t have to register or sign up. Insert your text and get started right away.

Long texts, short texts it doesn’t matter – there’s no character or word limit.

Don’t wait for ads or distractions. The essay checker is ad-free!

Nobody's perfect all the time—and now, you don’t have to be!

There are times when you just want to write without worrying about every grammar or spelling convention. The online proofreader immediately finds all of your errors. This allows you to concentrate on the bigger picture. You’ll be 100% confident that your writing won’t affect your grade.

Correcting your grammar

The Scribbr essay checker fixes grammar mistakes like:

• Sentence fragments & run-on sentences
• Subject-verb agreement errors
• Issues with parallelism

Spelling & Typos

Basic spell-checks often miss academic terms in writing and mark them as errors. Scribbr has a large dictionary of recognized (academic) words, so you can feel confident every word is 100% correct.

Punctuation errors

The essay checker takes away all your punctuation worries. Avoid common mistakes with:

• Dashes and hyphens
• Apostrophes
• Parentheses
• Question marks
• Colons and semicolons
• Quotation marks

Avoid word choice errors

Should you use   “affect” or “effect” ? Is it   “then” or “than” ? Did you mean   “there,” “their,” or “they’re” ?

Never worry about embarrassing word choice errors again. Our grammar checker will spot and correct any errors with   commonly confused words .

Improve your text with one click

The Scribbr Grammar Checker allows you to accept all suggestions in your document with a single click.

Give it a try!

Correct your entire document in 5 minutes

Would you like to upload your entire essay and check it for 100+ academic language issues? Then Scribbr’s AI-powered proofreading is perfect for you.

With the AI Proofreader, you can correct your text in no time:

• Upload document
• Wait briefly while all errors are corrected directly in your document
• Correct errors with one click

Proofread my document

A Grammar Checker for all English variants

There are important differences between the versions of English used in different parts of the world, including UK and US English . Our essay checker supports a variety of major English dialects:

• Canadian English
• Australian English

Why users love our Essay Checker

Save time and upload your entire essay to fix it in minutes

Scribbr & academic integrity.

Scribbr is committed to protecting academic integrity. Our plagiarism checker , AI Detector , Citation Generator , proofreading services , paraphrasing tool , grammar checker , summarizer , and free Knowledge Base content are designed to help students produce quality academic papers.

We make every effort to prevent our software from being used for fraudulent or manipulative purposes.

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Frequently asked questions

Our Essay Checker can detect most grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. That said, we can’t guarantee 100% accuracy. 

Absolutely! The Essay Checker is particularly useful for non-native English speakers, as it can detect mistakes that may have gone unnoticed.

The exact time depends on the length of your document, but, in most cases it doesn’t take more than a minute.

AI Proofreader Tool

What is a Proofreader Tool?

A proofreader tool is a software application that helps identify and correct written content errors. These tools use advanced algorithms to analyze text and detect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors, among other things. Once the tool identifies an error, it suggests corrections or alternative phrases to improve the readability and coherence of the text.

Using a free online proofreading tool can save time and effort in the editing process, especially for people who are not native speakers of the language they are writing in. Essay proofreader tools can catch mistakes a writer may have missed, making the final product more accurate and professional.

How does SpinBot's AI Proofreader tool work?

SpinBot's AI proofreader tool is an easy-to-use and productive tool to identify and correct errors in your written content. With its advanced AI-powered algorithms, writers looking to enhance the quality of their writing will find our online proofreader tool to be extremely helpful. Here's how it works:

Copy and paste your text

Copy and paste your text into the input box of our AI proofreader tool.

Analyze the text

Spinbot's advanced algorithms will analyze text to detect grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax flaws.

Suggest corrections

Our proofreader and editing tool suggest a variety of content corrections to improve readability and content consistency.

Download or export the corrected text

Once you have finalized the corrections, writers can download or export the content.

What are the various Proofreading Marks in the content?

Proofreading marks are symbols that editors and proofreaders use to indicate corrections or changes needed in written content. Editors and proofreaders use these marks to communicate changes to the author or other editing team members:

Here are some of the most commonly used proofreading marks:

Proofreading marks are crucial for effective communication and streamlined editing processes. They facilitate clear revisions, enhance collaboration with editors and proofreaders, and help writers improve their self-editing and writing skills. Understanding and using proofreading marks helps meet academic and professional excellence, saves time, and improves the quality of written work.

Who Can Use SpinBot's AI Proofreading Tool

Various audiences, including the following, can utilize SpinBot's AI proofreader tool:

Students and Teachers

Students and teachers can improve their academic writing by using our AI essay proofreading tool, which ensures accurate, well-structured, and error-free writing.

Institutes and Organizations

Our AI Text Proofreader tool helps institutes and organizations ensure their written communications, such as reports and emails, are clear & concise.

Professionals and Freelancers

Our Text Proofreader tool helps professionals and freelancers ensure that their work is accurate, well-written, and polished to improve their reputation.

Journalists and Editors

Journalists and editors use SpinBot's AI proofreading tool to ensure the quality of their written content and uphold their credibility.

What are the changes SpinBot's AI Proofreading Tool can make to the content?

SpinBot's online Proofreading tool enhances the quality and efficacy of written content, benefiting both academic students and professionals. Our Essay Proofreader tool detects and corrects grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting discrepancies, suggests alternate words and phrases, and improves sentence structure. Our thesis proofreader is an invaluable application for those seeking to improve their written content and achieve their goals.

Here is the list of changes SpinBot’s AI Proofreading Tool can make:

• The editor ensures that the content is clear, concise, and contains accurate written information.
• It assists in delivering high-quality content for every academic and professional user..
• It identifies and removes all types of grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors.
• It suggests various word choices and phrases, as well as improves content and sentence structure.
• Our proofreading website removes all types of proofreading errors from the content.

What are the features of SpinBot's AI Proofreading Tool?

SpinBot's free proofreading tool has a number of features that combine to make it an invaluable application for every writer interested in improving the quality of their written content.

Removes spelling errors

Our English Proofreading tools can help ensure accuracy and professionalism by recognizing and correcting misspellings and presenting content professionally.

Improves Punctuation

Our Essay Proofreader tool ensures proper punctuation by identifying and correcting punctuation errors like missing or misplaced commas, apostrophes, and quotation marks.

Suggests Word Choice

Our AI Proofreading tool can suggest alternative words or phrases to improve the clarity and flow of the text and suggest changes to sentence structure to improve readability.

Corrects Voice & Tonality

SpinBot's AI Proofreading Tool can help ensure that the voice and tone of the text are appropriate and consistent, making it more engaging and effective.

These features collectively contribute to producing error-free, polished, and professionally written content. Users can use SpinBot’s AI proofreader tool anywhere and anytime to create high-quality content. In short, SpinBot is a powerful resource for anyone looking to improve the quality and accuracy of their work.

Hear what our clients say

Don't just take our word for it, hear what people have to say about us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to use a proofreading tool.

A proofreading tool is essential to ensure that written content is accurate, presented professionally, and delivers desired results. It can help identify faults and correct them.

Can Spinbot's proofreading tool make my writing expressive?

Spinbot's proofreading tool can help improve clarity and flow, but it is up to the writer to make their writing expressive and engaging.

Does SpinBot’s proofreader tool use AI & ML algorithms to work?

Yes, Spinbot's proofreading tool uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) algorithms to analyze and identify errors in written content. These algorithms allow the tool to provide fast and accurate feedback on written content, helping writers to improve the quality and effectiveness of their writing.

What are common mistakes to avoid during proofreading?

It is common for even skilled writers to make mistakes, which is why proofreading online is crucial. The most common mistakes to avoid during proofreading include spelling, grammar, punctuation, and typos. By focusing on these areas, writers can ensure that their written content is accurate, effective, and engaging.

Does SpinBot’s tool improve my efficiency & speed in making my writing fluent?

Yes, SpinBot's proofreading tool improves efficiency and speed by identifying errors and suggesting corrections, allowing users to make changes quickly and efficiently.

Does this tool also highlight grammatical errors?

Yes, SpinBot's proofreading tool highlights grammatical errors in written content, helping writers to correct them and improve clarity and accuracy. It is especially useful for all types of English speakers.

What are other tools by SpinBot?

In addition to the Proofreader tool, SpinBot offers a diverse range of tools for the writers, students & professionals. These include the Paraphrasing Tool , Grammar Checker , Summarizer Tool , Spell Checker , AI Content Detector , and many more. These tools cater to different aspects of writing, proofreading, and content optimization.

Professional editors. Expert processing

Professional, first-language editors based in the UK, US, Canada and Australia Track changes in all file formats – including MS Office, PDF, ODT and pasted text Direct, real-time access to all copy-editors you work with or Get Started Integrations Writer's workshop Return to dashboard Online proofreading and copy-editing services Save 30% of the time you spend on writing Get started See sample edit Meet our founder: Get to understand our proofreading services. Online proofreading services Produce great content regardless of whether you’re writing a book, a business presentation, an academic article or an email. Learn more Cut 30% off your writing time Use Wordy to copy-edit, proofread or even rewrite your text quickly and consistently, so you can focus on what you do best. Learn more 56 subject fields covered Copy-editing services from experts in 56 subject fields – academic, corporate, non-fiction, lifestyle, banking and more. Learn more First-language editors in all major time zones Manage jobs in real-time with an expert proofreader and editor in your time zone – from GMT to PDT. Learn more Built for one file format: yours Process 11 major file formats – including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PDF, LaTeX, Google Docs and others. Learn more Copy-editor NDAs and secure file handling Work only with copy-editors under a strict non-disclosure agreement and store all your files behind 256-bit security. Learn more All online proofreading and copy-editing services on Wordy is done by professional, first-language editors based in the UK, US, and Australia. Each job has its own webpage with a messaging system, so that you can get in touch with your editor – and they with you – at any point in the process. This is great for last-minute changes or when signing off on a job. The messaging page stays open for up to three days after the editor has delivered the job, so if you have any questions – ask them! Especially online proofreading and copy-editing services are all about understanding the context and concept of your text, and adhering to the tone of voice and rules you’ve already laid down when you send through your document. In our humble opinion, it really takes a skilled, intelligent editor to make the best of your text and ready it for publication. We do rely heavily on technology to make job processing and assigning on Wordy as straightforward as possible, but when it comes to online proofreading, it’s all about good old elbow grease. There aren’t any secrets to it; just the accumulated editing experience of more than 2,000 years. Wordy adheres to the professional and ethical standards laid out by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading in the UK and The American Copy Editors Society in the US. If you’re representing a company or an educational institution, the chances are that you’re not used to paying per delivery for your proofreading services, but instead receive an invoice once a month for the jobs you’ve actually processed. We can set up an open credit account for you, which will invoice individual users of the account or an account owner. We’re also here to step in as account managers, if you want to set up a copy-editor team to handle all your jobs or upload a house style you’d like us to follow. Do get in touch if you want to know more about our credit accounts for companies and educational institutions. We provide online proofreading and copy-editing services to clients from all over the world, but as a company we are located in London. That means that tech support and client support are there for you during UK business hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMT – and as quickly as possible the following business day. In short, we’ll reply to your questions or comments as fast as we can, but do note that headquarters staff need our beauty sleep, too. Proofreaders are, of course, available 24/7. Several things are taken into account. First, how many words does the document contain? Second, are you requesting just proofreading and editing or additional services, such as rewriting or an express delivery? The cost also increases if you have a house style guide that you want editors to refer to, or if you restrict the availability of your job to a team of editors that you have selected. The best way to get an estimated turnaround time for your document is to upload it for an instant price quote and approximate delivery time .  If the turnaround time and quote are acceptable, you can continue with the purchase and place the order. If not, no further commitment is required. Most of Wordy’s larger proofreading clients are invoiced for their usage at the end of each month. If an account has multiple users, we can invoice each user separately, or send the invoice to a single point of contact – for example accounts payable. Standard payment terms are 30 days net. We’re happy to help you set up your account, add additional users, upload your house style (if applicable) and set up an editor/proofreader team. In addition, we’ll be happy to sign a service-level agreement (SLA) and/or non-disclosure agreement if necessary. You can read more on the Privacy Policy page , Pricing page , and the editor guides pages for either UK English or US English . To discuss your requirements, please get in touch . First, we check with you exactly what the problem is. If you have an issue with the quality of the proofreading, editing or rewriting – if you found a number of mistakes, for example – we will remove the editor from the job and forward the text to one of our head editors for a review. If we agree that the text does contain errors, we will ask you if you want a new editor to go through the text again in response to your feedback. We may offer you a full or partial refund based on the number of errors and inconsistencies we find in the edit. Please note that we don’t consider deliveries made later than the approximate delivery time as grounds for a refund. The actual delivery time will depend on the quality of the original text and the file format. To check on progress, you can, of course, always get in touch with your editor via a message on the job page and ask them to let you know when you can expect the job to be completed. Editor guide (UK) Editor guide (US) Editor guide (DE) Writer’s workshop Word count tool Proofreading marks Proofreading Proofreading online Proofreading services Copy-editing Copy-editing services Privacy policy Terms of use for clients Terms of use for editors Non-disclosure agreement   [email protected] English English Spanish German French Turkish Proofreaders’ Marks (Proofreading Marks) and Symbols Although most editing and proofreading are performed today using the ‘Track Changes’ feature of Microsoft Word or other commenting tools, you may encounter traditional proofreading marks and symbols on a hardcopy document. In desktop publishing, it is important to understand the meaning of proofreaders’ marks. Both editors/proofreaders and clients, regardless of their backgrounds, should have the same standard marks for easy communication. Traditional Proofreaders’ Marks (Proofreading Marks) and Symbols Although most editing and proofreading are performed today using the ''Track-Changes'' feature of Microsoft Word or other commenting tools, you may encounter traditional proofreading marks and symbols on a hardcopy document. In desktop publishing, it is important to understand the meaning of proofreaders’ marks. Both editors, proofreaders, and clients, regardless of their backgrounds, should have the same standard marks for easy communication. That is why a consistent style and common proofreading marks and symbols should be used. These marks and symbols are considered the language that editors and proofreaders speak when they edit or proofread a hardcopy document. An Overview of Common Proofreaders’ Marks As we discussed in the ‘‘ The Difference Between Proofreading and Editing ’ ’ article, the purpose of proofreading is to correct all errors in grammar, punctuation, syntax, and spelling in a manuscript. To confirm whether the final version of one’s manuscript contains any minor errors, you need proofreading. However, editing requires extra effort from an editor than does proofreading, because editing aims to improve the academic quality of your paper. Thus, editing involves improvement of the content, overall structure, quality of findings and analysis, simplicity, and referencing of the paper. Editing also aims to correct all errors in grammar, typography, punctuation, syntax, and spelling in a manuscript. In this sense, editing encompasses proofreading; however, strictly speaking, proofreading is the last stage before printing or delivery to the client. In hardcopy proofreading, editors and proofreaders use specific proofreaders’ marks to communicate their revisions. If you have ever had a hardcopy paper proofread, you are probably familiar with the unexpected typology of your proofreader. The revised version of your document is returned with symbols that seem to be from a different language. In a revised hardcopy version of a paper, all edits are visibly marked, including corrections, suggestions, and comments. These strange symbols and marks, left by proofreaders to highlight where changes need to be made in the text, allow you to notice all corrections and suggestions. Proofreading Marks at a Glance Proofreaders’ marks (also known as proofreading marks) are symbols and abbreviations for correcting typeset pages. The editors and proofreaders place these marks in the margins and in corresponding lines of text. These symbols and marks referring to comments about and suggestions for revisions appear in the margins and text of your manuscript. In hardcopy proofreading, corrections and suggestions typically appear in the left or right margins, beside the line containing the error. A mark or symbol is also placed in the text to indicate where corrections and changes need to be made. A caret (^), for instance, indicates an addition, whereas a line through the text indicates a deletion or replacement. Proofreading marks are generally written in red ink for the best visibility. Here is a list of the most common proofreaders’ marks for your reference (the list is taken from The Chicago Manual of Style Online ): (Source: The Chicago Manual of Style Online) Proofreaders’ Marks versus Track Changes in Microsoft Word As discussed above, a revised version of a document, full of strange symbols and abbreviations, may seem to have been translated into another language. Understanding this strange language or decrypting the suggested changes might take hours and maybe time-consuming and challenging. It does not have to be anymore, thanks to the ''Track Changes'' function of Microsoft Word. The ''Track Changes'' function in Microsoft Word is a very handy tool for tracking all changes, corrections, edits, and even suggestions and comments by your editor or proofreader. With this function, your document is returned with all edits visibly marked. All of the edits, including corrections, suggestions, and comments, via the ‘Track Changes’ function, appear in the margins of a revised paper. It is very easy to notice, follow, accept, or reject all the changes and suggestions in the paper. With a tracked paper, you also see some essential comments by the editor or proofreader on the right-hand side of the page. To read more about the ‘Track Changes’ function in Microsoft Word, click here . If you need help, contact us! Best Edit & Proof expert editors aim to provide your manuscripts with proper scholarly and academic tone and style. They will significantly improve the chances of having your research manuscript accepted for publishing. They provide subject-area proofreading and editing services in several fields categorized under various disciplines. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, we will help you find the right tone and style for your manuscript. If you need our subject-area editors to format your manuscripts, giving you the fundamental rules for formatting your manuscripts as described in your guidelines, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago/Turabian styles, then contact us. At Best Edit & Proof, our proofreaders and editors edit  every type of academic paper . We have a user-friendly website and a simplified ordering process.  If you would like our subject-area editors and language experts to work on your project for the improvement of its academic tone and style, then please visit the  order page.  It is easy! It takes only a few minutes to submit your paper and complete the process. Click  here   to see how it works. We have flat-rate pricing based on our type of service (editing or proofreading), word count, and turnaround time. Enter your word count or copy and paste your document into our  pricing calculator   to get an instant quote. If you need support for editing and proofreading services,  contact us . You can also  e-mail  us or use the 24/7 live chat module to get direct support. We have a 24/7 active live chat mode to offer you direct support along with qualified editors to refine and furbish your manuscript. Alternatively, you can text us through our  WhatsApp business line. Stay tuned for updated information about editing and proofreading services! Follow us on Twitter,  LinkedIn,    Facebook,  Instagram, and  Medium . For more posts, click   here. This article discusses proofreaders’ marks (proofreading marks) and symbols. To give you an opportunity to practice proofreading, we have left a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors in the text. See if you can spot them! If you spot the errors correctly, you will be entitled to a 10% discount. Editing & Proofreading Citation Styles Grammar Rules Academic Writing Proofreading Microsoft Tools Academic Publishing Dissertation & Thesis Researching Job & Research Application Similar Posts How Much Do Professional Editing and Proofreading Cost? How Much Do Proofreading and Editing Cost? How to Choose a Dissertation Editor in 3 Steps 8 Proofreading Tips: Everything to Understand the Process Dissertation Proofreading: Four Easy-to-Follow Steps Recent Posts How to Determine Variability in a Dataset How to Determine Central Tendency ANOVA vs MANOVA: Which Method to Use in Dissertations? How to Specify Study Variables in Research Papers? Population vs Sample | Sampling Methods for a Dissertation They Also Read While writing a paper, generally, we focus on the facts that make up the actual content. While we focus on writing the right words, we may neglect some grammatical mistakes and other writing mistakes. Hiring a professional proofreading and editing service doesn't only eliminate frustration; there are other benefits as well. This article discusses why you need professional proofreading and editing services. Although editing and proofreading terms can be used interchangeably, they are two different stages of the revision process. Before you avail of these services, there are certain things that you should consider. Knowing these things allows you to hire skilled editors and proofreaders. It also protects you from overpaying. To help you out, we have listed some important points below. No matter what anyone suggests, you should always get your work edited and proofread. That is a rule that you, as a writer, should always abide by. However, how do you choose the right editing and proofreading services? If you were to go online and search for such services, you would easily come across a dozen such service providers. But how do you recognize which one is right for your needs and which one is reliable? In this article, we will address that question and discuss a few factors that will help you choose the right editing and proofreading services. Link to facebook Link to linkedin Link to twitter Link to youtube Supported Formats PDF Editing Service PDF Proofreading And Editing Proofreading By The Professionals A Specialist PDF Editing Service The Portable document format – or PDF – offers a way of presenting documents independent of software or hardware constraints. This makes it one of the most popular document formats in the world. And since PDFs are harder to change than most document types, a good PDF  editing service  is vital. Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing Our Process To take advantage of our PDF editing service, simply: Go to our  upload page Drag and drop your PDF file(s) onto the page or click ‘Browse or drag & drop your file’ to select the file(s) you want to upload Choose either  proofreading  or  editing Enter document details and instructions for your editor Make your payment and let us pair you with the perfect PDF proofreader, who will then check your document Download the edited PDF from your  user area When editing a PDF, we return an annotated copy of your document. The annotations will depend on whether the PDF is layered (i.e. with text you can select with the cursor) or flat (i.e. just an image). Find out about how we check layered and flat PDFs below. You can then review every change we make, so you’re always in control of the final draft. And as well as PDF documents, we can work with files from Google Docs to PowerPoint presentations. See our supported formats page for more information. Layered PDF Proofreading With a layered PDF, we will use Adobe Acrobat’s annotation features to ‘mark up’ your document (i.e. show you where changes need making). This may include: Highlighting  – A simple way of highlighting text, accompanied by a comment explaining why the text has been highlighted. Strikethrough  – This function places a red line through text that should be deleted from the document. We will also leave a comment explaining the deletion if necessary. Insertion Cursor  – Also known as a ‘caret’, we will use this mark if you need to add new text somewhere in your document. We will also suggest the replacement text in a comment. Replacement Strikethrough and Cursor  – These marks show that the selected text should be replaced. We will suggest the replacement text in an accompanying comment. Sticky Notes/Comments  – We use comments for all other situations, such as providing feedback or explaining a problem. To see the comment, all you need to do is click on the little yellow square with its speech bubble. With a flat PDF, your proofreader will only be able to mark up the document using sticky notes/comments. Once you’ve checked our suggested alterations and comments, you can then revise the original document before creating a new PDF. Super Fast Editing To make sure you get your document back in time, we offer three levels of service: So no matter how tight your deadline may be, we have a service for you. Simply select Regular, Express, or Rapid when you upload your document. Express and Rapid services are subject to availability. If we are unable to provide a service at the time of your upload, its icon will be grayed out in the menu above. *For a 4,000-word document. Instant Quote You can also upload a document to get an instant quote Drag & drop your file or browse your computer Browse from your device Drop your file here! Your file is being uploaded! We Work With Every Major Format Our system supports over 15 document formats, making it easy to submit content for proofreading and editing. Click on a file icon below to learn more. MS Powerpoint Google Docs Google Slides Google Sheets Illustrator Looking For The Perfect Editor ? Let our expert editors get started on your document for free today. We use cookies to enhance the user experience on our website and deliver our services. We also use cookies to show you relevant advertising. Read the UW Privacy Policy and more about our use of cookies . Programs & Courses Entire Site Email delivery delay The UW email system is experiencing significant delays in receiving and sending emails due to a technical issue. UW Information Technology engineers are actively working with the vendor to resolve the problem. Consider using alternative methods of communication for time-sensitive issues until the problem is solved. Continue reading Email delivery delay Proofreading Essentials Course details. Location: Online Duration: 7 weeks Times: Flexible Cost : $795 Next Start Date: October 7, 2024 About this Course Proofreading is a skill used to identify and correct errors in writing. Proofreaders typically fix errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistency, and proofreading is one of the last steps before a piece of writing is published. In this course, you’ll learn how to proofread a variety of print and digital materials and how to use traditional proofreader’s marks as well as digital markup techniques. We’ll cover the basics of grammar and punctuation and how to tackle specific grammar, style, and design and formatting issues. You’ll also learn about proofing against copy and cold proofreading (proofing without copy). Designed For Anyone seeking to develop or improve their proofreading skills. See Requirements Requirements Admission Requirements This is an introductory course and no previous experience is required. Anyone is encouraged to enroll. Time Commitment Including time in class, you should expect to spend about five to seven hours each week on coursework. English Proficiency If English is not your native language, you should have advanced English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the C1 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs . International Students Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students . Technology Requirements Access to a computer that has a recent operating system such as Windows 8 or later or Mac OSX 10.10 or later High-speed internet connection Recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Access to a printer, scanner or smartphone with a PDF-conversion app Headset with microphone (recommended) Completing the Course To successfully complete this course, you must fulfill the requirements outlined by your instructor. ▸ Explore More:  Want to see more options? Explore all our p rograms for writers and editors . What You’ll Learn What proofreading is and how it differs from editing Where proofreading fits in the overall publication process Why, when and how to make changes to a document How to proof for design issues, including image quality and placement Employment opportunities in the proofreading field Get Hands-On Experience Apply editorial style sheets and checklists Use standard proofreading markup and procedures to proofread print documents Use special features of Adobe Reader for digital proofreading EARN A DIGITAL BADGE After successfully completing this course, you can claim a digital achievement badge that can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about  digital badges . OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options . Approved by the UW Department of English Learning Format Online Asynchronous Enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the structure of a regular course. With no real-time meetings, you’ll complete weekly assignments and interact with your class at times that work for you.  Learn More » Course Sessions October 2024 noncredit, october 2024 — online, application deadline. Applications are open until Monday, September 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, or until the course fills, whichever comes first. APPLICATION STEPS This course has an automatic acceptance process. Once you complete the application and pay the application fee, you’re in. See the steps below for more details. You’ll apply to the course on MyContinuum, our student app. MyContinuum helps you seamlessly manage the enrollment process and more. STEP 1: REVIEW REQUIREMENTS Before you apply, carefully read the admission requirements on the  Requirements  tab above. In the application, you’ll be asked to confirm that you meet these requirements. If you have any questions, or want to make sure this course is right for you, reach out to Enrollment Services at  [email protected]  or 800-506-1325. STEP 2: APPLY Complete the online application on the MyContinuum app. You’ll need to create an account first. If you already have a UW NetID, choose that option. Otherwise, sign in with a Google or Apple account. STEP 3: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE Next, pay the $50 nonrefundable application fee through MyContinuum. Your application is not complete until you pay this fee. AFTER APPLYING Once you’re accepted, we’ll ask you to complete a questionnaire on MyContinuum to help us learn more about you. Then you’ll get details about how to register for your course and pay your course fee. To ensure your spot in class, we recommend that you register by the priority registration deadline, which is four weeks before class begins. After that time, we may release your seat to another student. The final registration deadline is two days before the course starts. RELATED RESOURCES Applying to a Course Drops, Withdrawals & Refunds This course is offered 100% online and runs from October 7, 2024, to November 23, 2024. Meet your instructor Christy Karras Noncredit course. You'll earn 3.5 continuing education units (CEUs) for successfully completing this course. Learn more about noncredit options . January 2025 Noncredit April 2025 noncredit, want to get the latest. Sign up to get program updates, including info sessions and application deadlines. Get Program Updates By submitting my information, I consent to be contacted and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the privacy policy . Related Articles Programs for writers and editors. Want to craft your own story, shape others’ words or produce consistent copy as a marketer, copywriter or technical writer? Check out our numerous writing and editing programs to find the right fit for you. Courses to Get You Started in Data, Programming, Business and More Check out a rundown of some of our most popular foundations courses that can help you add in-demand skills, refresh your expertise or explore something new. 6 Ways an Enrollment Coach Can Prepare You for Success Discover how an enrollment coach can help you find and start a program that fits your goals. How to Become an Editor Editors help writers develop their ideas and stay on message. Editors are in high demand in Washington state. Find out how you can get started in this field. related offerings Build practical skills in various types of editing and develop the expertise to transform a rough draft into a polished work. Developmental Editing Learn developmental editing skills by working on manuscripts, book proposals, article pitches and letters to the author. Professional Technical Writing Explore the fundamental concepts and practical applications of technical writing. Learn the styles, formats and requirements for different kinds of technical communication. Business Writing: Reports, Proposals & Documents Learn how to write a variety of long-form business documents. Adopt best practices for clear, concise and effective writing.  Foundations of UX Writing Learn how to write human-centered copy that places users at the core of your work. Determine the voice and tone of content to meet the needs of the user and the organization. Self-Publishing: Bringing Your Book to Market Learn the business fundamentals of self-publishing and gain the skills and knowledge you need to transform your manuscript into a self-published book. Talk to an Enrollment Coach Our enrollment coaches can help you determine if the Proofreading Essentials course is right for you. Your coach can also support you as you apply and enroll. Start the conversation! By submitting my information, I consent to be contacted and agree to the privacy policy . Subscribe to Keep Learning! Be among the first to get timely program info, career tips, event invites and more. 147 IMAGES Proofreading Marks Chart Proofreading Marks and How to Use Them--Grammar Tutorial Proofreading Marks and How to Use Them--Grammar Tutorial Proofreading Marks for All Needs Proofreading Marks Proofreading marks and how to use them COMMENTS Proofreaders' Marks Find it. Write it. Cite it. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. ¶ Over 1.5 million copies sold! Free Online Proofreader The online proofreader. It's really straightforward. Just paste the text into the tool. All your errors will now be underlined in red. You can hover over these mistakes to see how they can be addressed. If you agree, just click on the button "Fix all errors," and your mistakes will be fixed instantly! Free Online Proofreader Free proofreading tool. With QuillBot, you have the best free proofreading tool in your pocket, on your browser, or in Word whenever you need it.. Writing is a lot of work, and doing it well means revising and revising again. For writers with high standards in every genre and field, online proofreading is an invaluable resource—a must-have. 29 Proofreading Marks and Symbols—The Key to Error-Free Writing Proofreading marks and symbols, also known as editing marks, are the strange red pen scratches that an editor or proofreader applies to a written piece of work to let the writer know what needs to be fixed. From missing periods to misplaced commas, paragraph breaks, and parts to omit, these marks act like a secret code between the editor and ... Free Proofreading Tools and Tips Proofreading marks are shorthand symbols that identify changes needed in a piece of writing. Each proofreading mark means something different—from adding a certain punctuation mark to removing a space to changing the order of words. ... Looking for an online proofreading tool that works for both academic and professional writing? Grammarly's ... Proofreading Marks 101: What Do These Squiggles Mean? Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process and will ensure your book fully meets its potential for success. The average costs of working with a professional proofreader on Reedsy are: $350 for a 40k-word book. $520 for a 60k-word book. $700 for an 80k-word book. Head to our marketplace to request quotes from a variety of ... Proofreading Marks Physical copy proofreading uses marks in the left and right margins of the paper and within the double-spaced lines to show changes that need to be made. Today, most of these changes are tracked in a word processor or applied directly to the text. Most proofreaders and editors use a standard system of marking to make the edits and suggestions ... Your Ultimate Guide to Proofreading Marks Proofreading marks are symbols and notations that indicate errors or areas that require correction in a text. Proofreaders place these marks directly on the manuscript or document to highlight specific issues, such as typographical errors, grammatical mistakes, and formatting problems. The marks prompt the editor to make the necessary revisions. Your Guide to Proofreading Marks Two Proofreading Symbols — In Text and In Margin. Lastly, you should know that many proofreading marks have both a textual mark and a marginal mark.. A textual mark means that the symbol is written on the text to be changed; A marginal mark, which is placed in the margin, is a symbol or abbreviation that explains the textual mark.; However, many editors may forgo the marginal mark, and in ... Publish confidently by proofreading to perfection Proofreading marks are either made on paper, or in comments and digital notes in Google Docs and word processing software, to alert the writer of suggested corrections within a document. ... Most of these online proofreading and editing services also include plagiarism checkers to identify duplicate content on the web and provide an efficient ... List of proofreader's marks List of proofreader's marks. This article is a list of standard proofreader's marks used to indicate and correct problems in a text. Marks come in two varieties, abbreviations and abstract symbols. These are usually handwritten on the paper containing the text. Symbols are interleaved in the text, while abbreviations may be placed in a margin ... AI Proofreader Our AI Proofreader has been trained on academic texts. It also addresses commonly confused words, and it's more accurate than Word's autocorrect feature. Word's autocorrect feature usually operates on a word level, whereas our AI Proofreader can proofread on the sentence and, to an extent, even the paragraph level. Free online proofreading and essay editor A reliable proofreading tool and essay editor for any writer or student. Start editing. Typely is more than just a proofreading tool. It's a complete writing environment. More than a thousand checks are being performed and we've only scratched the surface. Gain access to humanity's collective understanding about the craft of writing. Free Essay and Paper Checker Scribbr is committed to protecting academic integrity. Our plagiarism checker, AI Detector, Citation Generator, proofreading services, paraphrasing tool, grammar checker, summarizer, and free Knowledge Base content are designed to help students produce quality academic papers. We make every effort to prevent our software from being used for ... What Are Proofreading Marks? A Complete Guide Proofreading marks are used to point out any operational, punctuation, typography, and other mistakes in your manuscript that ought to be edited. You will usually find proofreading marks in the margins of a manuscript, although some proofreaders will insert them in the text itself, which is why it's often recommended to create double-spaced ... AI Proofreader Tool Proofreading marks are crucial for effective communication and streamlined editing processes. They facilitate clear revisions, enhance collaboration with editors and proofreaders, and help writers improve their self-editing and writing skills. ... SpinBot's online Proofreading tool enhances the quality and efficacy of written content ... PDF Proofreading Marks at a Glance Proofreading Marks at a Glance. Proofreading marks (also called proofreaders' marks) are symbols and notations for correcting typeset pages. The proofreader places these marks in the margins and in corresponding lines of text. A slash separates marginal marks that appear on the same line. Marginal Mark. Wordy: Top-rated online proofreading and copy-editing services All online proofreading and copy-editing services on Wordy is done by professional, first-language editors based in the UK, US, and Australia. Each job has its own webpage with a messaging system, so that you can get in touch with your editor - and they with you - at any point in the process. This is great for last-minute changes or when ... Proofreaders' Marks (Proofreading Marks) and Symbols Proofreading marks are generally written in red ink for the best visibility. Here is a list of the most common proofreaders' marks for your reference (the list is taken from The Chicago Manual of Style Online): (Source: The Chicago Manual of Style Online) Proofreaders' Marks versus Track Changes in Microsoft Word PaperRater: Free Online Proofreader with Grammar Check, Plagiarism PaperRater proofreads and rates your essays & papers. It picks out grammar & spelling errors, detects plagiarism and grades your writing. It includes resources on grammar, writing, spelling & more. PDF Proofreading & Editing To take advantage of our PDF editing service, simply: Go to our upload page. Drag and drop your PDF file (s) onto the page or click 'Browse or drag & drop your file' to select the file (s) you want to upload. Choose either proofreading or editing. Enter document details and instructions for your editor. Make your payment and let us pair you ... 41 Proofreader Marks: Ultimate Editor's Guide 41 Proofreader Marks: Ultimate Editor's Guide. Not sure how to read proofreader marks? This guide will take all the confusion out of the manuscript editing process. Proofreading Essentials Proofreading is a skill used to identify and correct errors in writing. Proofreaders typically fix errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting and consistency, and proofreading is one of the last steps before a piece of writing is published. In this course, you'll learn how to proofread a variety of print and digital materials and ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis