Become A Proofreader

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Working As A Proofreader

Getting Information
Interacting With Computers
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Thinking Creatively
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Mostly Sitting
Make Decisions
Repetitive
Stressful
$56,010
Average Salary

What Does A Proofreader Do At Quad/Graphics

* Proofread and mark up all proofs generated in production.
* This applies to new work and correction cycles
* Work with Client Services Managers and Lead Mac Operators to master new procedures and styles
* Work to improve the manufacturing process by communicating common errors to production and management
* Understand departmental workflow and react swiftly to changing priorities
* Use Quad/Graphics Metrics Portal to gauge productivity benchmarks
* Maintain a professional appearance and relationship with all customer contacts on and off site
* Maintain confidentiality when required
* Other incidental duties as assigned

What Does A Proofreader Do At Uline

* Ensure accuracy of content, spelling and grammar for a variety of printed material, including 700+ page catalog
* Monitor consistency of all material within style and established guidelines
* Copyedit as needed to maintain clarity and consistency in tone
* Fact-check for accuracy of content and product images
* Confirm print specs and layout
* Review of final printer's proofs for accuracy
* Manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment and easily adapt to changing priorities
* Ensure Uline standards and guidelines are met

What Does A Proofreader Do At RR Donnelley

* Reviews work performed by Operators against client submissions to ensure proper placement of inserts, edits, tables and other documentation
* Proofread converted documents against originals to ensure accurate conversion and to identify any missing text
* Measures dimensions, spacing and positioning of page elements to verify adherence to client guidelines.
* Performs full read/word-for-word proofreading of client submitted materials
* Marks errors using standardized proofreading marks
* Returns marked proof to Operators for correction
* Checks corrected proof against prior copy to ensure all corrections were made accurately
* Conduct separate checks for format, text accuracy and statistical data
* Ensure that content of document is accurate, clear and complete and that the material is organized logically

What Does A Proofreader Do At MacMillan

* Proofread custom laboratory manuals and textbooks according to house style guidelines
* Check pagination, table of contents, running heads, running feet
* Check for accuracy in numbered lists, figure numbering, table numbering, etc.
* Check for consistency in spelling, hyphenation, and usage in new projects during first proof
* Proof illustrations to ensure they have been placed correctly and are not cut off
* Ensure author-requested changes have been accurately made between proofs
* Other proofreading duties as assigned

What Does A Proofreader Do At Williams Lea Tag

* Proofread documents for errors in typing, spelling, syntax and form
* Manually red/blackline documents when requested to do so
* Act as a resource for all questions on grammar, spelling, current usage
* Maintain knowledge of current formats and citation protocols as found in The Chicago Manual of Style
* Schedule, track, process and perform quality assurance of documents in a timely manner to meet deadlines
* Use job tracking software to log in and out of all tasks assigned
* Williams Lea Tag offers an exciting and supportive business environment.
* We develop our people and reward their contribution.
* We work with openness and integrity.
* We are an equal opportunity employer.
* We
* maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
* WLRSR

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How To Become A Proofreader

A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English, combined with previous writing and proofreading experience, is typically required to be an editor.

Education

Employers generally prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English. They also prefer candidates with mass- or cross-media experience.

Those with other backgrounds who can show strong writing skills also may find jobs as editors. Editors who deal with specific subject matter may need previous related work experience. For example, fashion editors may need expertise in fashion that they gain through formal training or work experience.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Many editors start off as editorial assistants, writers, or reporters.

Those who are particularly skilled at identifying good stories, recognizing writing talent, and interacting with writers may be interested in editing jobs.

Other Experience

Editors also can gain experience by working on high school and college newspapers, and for magazines, radio and television stations, advertising and publishing companies, or nonprofit organizations. Magazines and newspapers also have internships for students. For example, the American Society of Magazine Editors offers a Magazine Internship Program to qualified full-time students in their junior or senior year of college. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain general publishing experience.

The ability to use computers is necessary for editors to stay in touch with writers and other editors and to work on the increasingly important digital media or online side of a publication. Familiarity with electronic publishing, graphics, Web design, and multimedia production is also important, because more content is being offered online.

Advancement

Some editors hold management positions and must make decisions related to running a business. For them, advancement generally means moving up to publications with larger circulation or greater prestige. Copy editors may move into original writing or substantive editing positions, or become freelancers.

Important Qualities

Creativity. Editors must be creative, curious, and knowledgeable in a broad range of topics. Some editors must regularly come up with interesting story ideas and attention-grabbing headlines.

Detail oriented. One of an editor’s main tasks is to make sure that material is error free and matches the style of a publication.

Good judgment. Editors must decide if certain stories are ethical or if there is enough evidence to report them.

Interpersonal skills. In working with writers, editors must have tact and the ability to guide and encourage them in their work.

Writing skills. Editors must ensure that all written content has correct grammar, punctuation, and syntax. Editors must be able to write clearly and logically.

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Proofreader Career Paths

Proofreader

Writer And Editor Communications Coordinator Communications Specialist

Account Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Copy Editor Writer And Editor Communications Manager

Communications Director

7 Yearsyrs

Writer Author Editor

Content Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Writer And Editor Communications Manager Marketing Manager

Digital Marketing Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Copy Editor Managing Editor Communications Director

Director Of Communications And Marketing

9 Yearsyrs

Managing Editor Communications Director Marketing Director

Director Of Marketing & Development

9 Yearsyrs

Editor, Freelance Senior Editor Communications Director

Director Of Marketing And Public Relations

7 Yearsyrs

Technical Writer Business Analyst Product Manager

Director Of Product Development

11 Yearsyrs

Technical Writer Project Manager General Manager

Managing Partner

9 Yearsyrs

Writer Writer And Editor Marketing Specialist

Marketing Communications Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Editor Marketing Manager

Marketing Director

7 Yearsyrs

Editor Project Manager Program Manager

Marketing Manager

6 Yearsyrs

Instructor Account Manager Marketing Consultant

Marketing Strategist

6 Yearsyrs

Managing Editor Marketing Manager Business Developer

Marketing/Business Development

8 Yearsyrs

Marketing/Social Media Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Technical Editor Managing Editor Public Relations

Media Relations Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Project Manager Marketing Director Search Engine Optimizer

Online Marketing Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Senior Editor Producer News Director

Public Information Officer

6 Yearsyrs

Senior Editor Senior Writer Managing Editor

Publications Manager

5 Yearsyrs

Instructor Chief Executive Officer

Strategist

7 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Top Careers Before Proofreader

Top Careers After Proofreader

Proofreader Demographics

Gender

Female
68.1%
Male
30.1%
Unknown
1.8%

Ethnicity

White
82.3%
Hispanic or Latino
9.1%
Asian
6.6%
Unknown
1.5%
Black or African American
0.5%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
37.7%
French
22.5%
Japanese
7.6%
German
6.0%
Italian
5.3%
Russian
3.3%
Chinese
3.3%
Mandarin
3.0%
Korean
2.6%
Portuguese
2.0%
Greek
1.3%
Polish
1.3%
Dutch
0.7%
Braille
0.7%
Cantonese
0.7%
Arabic
0.7%
Swedish
0.3%
Swahili
0.3%
Vietnamese
0.3%
Hindi
0.3%

Proofreader

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Proofreader Education

Schools

New York University
10.3%
DePaul University
7.0%
University of Texas at Austin
6.7%
Temple University
6.0%
Florida State University
5.7%
University of North Texas
5.0%
Emerson College
5.0%
Michigan State University
4.7%
University of Connecticut
4.7%
University of Oregon
4.7%
Syracuse University
4.3%
Bowling Green State University
4.3%
San Francisco State University
4.3%
University of Texas at Arlington
4.3%
University of Maryland - College Park
4.0%
University of Phoenix
4.0%
University of Georgia
4.0%
University of South Florida
3.7%
Texas State University
3.7%
University of Iowa
3.7%

Majors

Degrees

Bachelors
49.0%
Masters
22.4%
Other
15.1%
Certificate
4.9%
Associate
4.2%
Doctorate
3.7%
Diploma
0.6%
License
0.1%

Proofreader

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

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Top Skills for A Proofreader

Top Proofreader Skills

Financial Documents
Web Content
Legal Documents

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Proofread financial documents, encoded checks and used proficient 10 key.
Proofread, wrote, and edited web content, advertisements, and promotions for the organization on a daily basis.
Proofread legal documents for publication.
Communicated with graphic artists, art director and account managers on all aspects of content and design.
Proofread text and graphics on both computer and hard copy.