Where a copy editor's job is to review and improve an author's raw manuscript, and the graphic designer's job is to arrange that raw edited text into a professional and appealing layout, a professional proofreader provides yet another set of eyes to ensure all the components fit together properly.
Proofreading is a Crucial Ingredient of the Professional Book Publishing Process
Each book is a bit different, and there may be additional components added in before the proofreader finally sees it. For example, non-fiction readers expect to see an index at the back of a book; so an experienced indexer should be hired to add that section of the book between the editing and design stages of the process. The proofreader is introduced only after each section of the book has been completed. This individual reviews the professionally laid-out version of the book.
A Professional Proofreader Will Complete the Following Nine-Point Check
Interior:
- the front matter (such as the table of contents) is accurate and correct
- the back matter (such as the index) is accurate and correct
- headers and footers are accurate and correct
- bad breaks are eliminated
- text is kerned to flow smoothly throughout
- margins and trim size all measure properly
- spelling and punctuation is correct
Cover:
- spacing, bleeds, and trim size all measure properly
- spelling and punctuation is correct
As shown in the above list, a professional proofreader is someone who is knowledgeable and experienced with both basic language editing (spelling and punctuation) as well as the technical aspects of book design (kerning, bleeds, trim size, et cetera). If the proofreader finds any issues in the layout, he or she will indicate these and send them back to the designer to make the corrections. Once the corrections are complete, this draft is sent back to the self-publishing author for final proof approval before the book goes to print.
The Final Word
As self-publishers are paying all their own production costs in order to retain 100% copyright ownership of their books, they ultimately have the final word on everything from editing to design to production ... as they should ! That said, with this level of creative control comes a higher level of responsibility. It is the self-publishers' duty to review and approve their books at every stage along the way.
They, alone, are accountable for the final product; so it is important for self-publishers to go over everything themselves—in addition to the contributions of the copy editors, indexers, designers, proofreaders, et cetera—before approving anything. This will ensure they produce a professional final product they can feel very proud to display to the public.
Kim Staflund - Canadian Book Publisher and Author
