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Proofreader's Marks

Objectives

When you finish this lesson, you should be able to
  • use all of the proofreader's marks
  • proofread a writing sample using the marks accurately

Demonstration of Competence

The proofreader's marks are handy ways of communicating changes you want someone to make in a manuscript. When everyone knows the marks, the system is very efficient. However, if your client does not know the marks, don't use them. Ask the writer to submit a draft that is double-spaced so you can write between the lines or in the margins.

You should know how to use all of the proofreader's marks so you can use them adeptly when the client also knows the marks. This lesson requires you to learn all of the marks.

When you are ready to demonstrate your competence, e-mail Dr. Hogan explaining how well you did on the assignment below.

Assignments

Learn the marks on the inside back cover of Orr, Daniels, and Henson.

Assignment 1

Learn the proofreader's marks on the inside back cover of Orr, Daniels, and Henson. Follow this procedure.

  1. First, look at the marks and explanations of the marks, one at a time. Practice writing each mark.
  2. When you feel you know the marks, place a sheet of paper over the example marks on the left side of the first column to mask the marks but leave the explanations in view.
  3. On the sheet of paper, draw the mark that corresponds to the first explanation.
  4. Check your attempt immediately to see how you did.
  5. If your mark was incorrect, practice the mark immediately and come back to that mark to try it again later.
  6. Continue this process with the other marks until you are able to draw all of the marks quickly.

Assignment 2

Learn the proofreader's marks. Test your knowledge by proofreading these samples:
  • Proofread the example text on pages 218-219 of Orr, Daniels, and Henson. Compare your use of the proofreader’s marks with the answers in the blue columns.

  • Proofread the example text on page 225 of Orr, Daniels, and Henson. Compare your proofreading with the proofreading on page 271.

Don’t submit these to your instructor. They are for your use to test your knowledge of the proofreader's marks.