Proofreading is a manuscript’s final edit before it goes to press.

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I only proofread manuscripts that have been line or copyedited by someone else. That way, the landscape is new to me. I can follow the words the way I’d follow a road in a foreign country—alert and wary of missing something. When proofing, I’ll begin at the end and read each sentence backwards, mouthing one word at a time, to ensure correct spelling. After a cooling off period, I’ll read the manuscript again, front to back, looking for consistency in punctuation, usage, font style, and line spacing. I'll also keep an eye out for widows and orphans.

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Fee: .02/word

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