I’ve just printed out my novel for the final time. As soon as the kids go back to school next week, I shall lock myself in the summerhouse and set about my final proof read. I’ve read lots of articles on proof reading and done plenty of editing over the years to have come up with a checklist that works for me.
- Use a hard copy (it’s too easy to skip over errors on the computer)
- Read aloud (but make sure the neighbours can’t hear you)
- Read it slowly, word by word (at reading pace your brain skips over words it expects to see and doesn’t pick up the errors)
- Use a ruler or blank page to highlight the line you’re reading (this ensures you don’t get ahead of yourself)
- Keep focused and hydrated by drinking lots of water (this helps keep you awake, and the trips to the toilet provide plenty of short breaks)
- Use a colourful pen to highlight the error, mark the sentence in the margin and fold the corner of the page over (triple insurance against the error being missed when updating on the computer)
- Avoid all distractions (escape from the phone and the internet)
- Keep a notebook handy (make notes of any last minute niggles to sort out)
- The editing should already be done at this point so focus on grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice and spacing errors.
- And finally, there’s no harm in resetting the computer spell checker and giving it one last go.
Then it’s ready for the next stage, uploading to Kindle.
Have you got any last minute proof reading tips to share?
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 
Great advice on tackling that final proofread.
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Reblogged this on Alison Williams Writing and commented:
Great advice on tackling that final proofread.
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Thanks for sharing.
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Good list. I suggest doing this AND give it to a minimum of three other people. They will still find stuff you missed.
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Very true. In the past my beta readers have all spotted different errors. The more eyes, the better.
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Great advice! Thanks for a great round up of things to do and how to do them!
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Drawing up the checklist has helped focus my mind on the daunting task of proofreading 153k words. I’m glad to share the advice that’s worked for me with others.
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Great tips…and good luck with the upload to Kindle!
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Thank you. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly.
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Great list and happy uploading! I’m amazed at the number of strong writers who neglect proofreading. Is it because it’s not a very sexy task? It makes such a difference to the final product ~ like taking a shower before a date.
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Thanks. I cringe at the idea of putting my book out there with lots of errors. I know I won’t catch them all, but I want to do the best job I can and give my book a fighting chance.
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Sound advice to print out and pin on actual noticeboard. Thank you.
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I agree. I have me list printed and sitting on top of the MS with my colourful pen and notebook. Being prepared builds the anticipation and helps it feel like a real job.
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Totally agree, and yes list printed out with all my ‘tools’ too. One last tip, scan read it backwards when finished, amazing how working the brain in an unfamiliar way makes any errors stand out. Good luck with you book Alison, looking forward to reading it!
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Thanks for the lovely comments Adrienne, I hope you enjoy reading the book. I shall give the reading backwards a go after the last proofread.
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