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7/9/2012

Proofreaders: We're Only Human!

6 Comments

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Every  now and then, I receive an email pointing out an error in The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course eBook or, more frequently, on this very website. Mostly these mistakes are minor grammatical misdemeanours, some are a matter of opinion, but there have been a couple of humdingers. Inevitably, the authors of these missives will ask if they’ve spotted a ‘deliberate error’ I’ve buried between the covers of my eBook as a test, an Easter egg for the eagle-eyed. As a firm believer that honesty really is the best policy, I always answer along the lines of, “No, it wasn’t a deliberate mistake. My bad.”

It might seem shameful for someone promoting a proofreading course to admit to such oversights but – drum roll, please – I’m only human. And, unless there is some kind of intergalactic proofreading organisation I’ve yet to be introduced to, all proofreaders are ‘only human’.

I've yet to meet a proofreader who didn't fail to notice the odd spelling or grammatical error, and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some extremely dedicated proofreaders from the glory days of hot metal. This is why many publishing departments try to ensure more the one proofreader checks each piece of work, and even then – even then – mistakes go unspotted. I’m currently reading a novel by Dennis Lehane in which, quite early on, there is a spelling error. When you see it staring up at you from the printed page, it seems incredible that anyone could have missed such a thing, let alone the surely
expert proofreaders at Random House. But miss it they did.

Proofreaders make mistakes. Proofreaders are human. Show me a proofreader who has yet to fall flat on his or her face and I’ll say, “It’s only a matter of time.”

The fact that I have gone to the trouble of dedicating an entire chapter of The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course to the subject of ‘what to do when it all goes horribly wrong’, should give you an idea of where I stand on the fallibility of proofreaders!

I’ll admit I’m not the greatest proofreader. When compared to the time-served proofreaders I’ve worked with over the years, my eye stands revealed as somewhat inadequate. However, my experience of proofreading is, even though I say it myself, pretty darn good. And my understanding of what makes a good proofreader and what makes for good proofreading is even better.

Mistakes, I've made a few, but I have never given bad advice when it comes to the subject of proofreading.

Thnak you.

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6 Comments
Tara
7/22/2012 04:13:49 pm

I've noticed the same reaction from readers of other proofreading books. These readers expect glowing perfection from proofreaders and copyeditors. I find such an attitude a bit immature.

When I find mistakes in these books, I actually feel reassured. Look at it this way: Here is a professional wordsmith who's made a mistake, but they're still paying the mortgage! The sky didn't fall.

Mike, you have the best proofreading website I've ever seen. It's so jam-packed with information, freebies, and cheap stuff. Your generosity is amazing.

I'm ordering your book because it's the best course going.

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Mike Sellars link
7/24/2012 12:18:48 am

Thanks for your comments, Tara.

I think 'immature' captures it perfectly. Mature proofreaders tend to be more realistic. They try their best, they keep their wits about them, they bring every second of their hard-won experience to every page, but they know they are not infallible. Mistakes happen. It's the way of the universe -- order gradually descending into chaos.

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Emma
7/31/2012 09:06:30 pm

No Mike has never given bad advice when it comes to proof reading and all it entails. I am proof of that!
I am on of those many fools who paid a huge amount of money for a useless course. But hind sight is a wonderful thing and unfortunately I didn't find Mike's website until it was too late. But we live and learn.

If anyone is doubting this book then you shouldn't it opened so many doors to me. In fact it changed my life (cliche maybe but if you only knew....).

I now work with clients across the globe and it was Mike that gave me the tools and the confidence to go out there and do it.

You may remember one teacher at school or college: the one whose class you really looked forward to, the one who you would always do your homework for on time....well I may have had to wait a few decades but I have found in Mike what most people experience in school....a teacher who inspires.

I now look on Mike as my mentor as I embark on a career.

Thank you Mike

Emma

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Mike Sellars link
8/2/2012 08:08:48 am

Thanks for the kind words, Emma.

I'm really pleased that my eBook has had the desired effect: giving you the confidence to pursue genuine, professional proofreading opportunities.

But credit where it's due; all the instruction in the world is worthless if you don't have the drive and ambition to put it to good use, and, thankfully, Emma, you have drive and ambition to spare.

Congratulations on all your successes so far. I'm certain there are many more to come!

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Daisy Dallas link
1/7/2013 08:25:35 pm

I really liked your valuable steps In proofreading.All the tips are very informative and useful too.I share as much as I can.

Reply
Mike Sellars
1/8/2013 08:55:05 am

Hi Daisy,

Thank you for your kind remarks. I'm glad you find the website useful.

Best wishes,
Mike

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    Testimonials
    “I am one of those many fools who paid a huge amount of money for a useless course. This book... has opened so many doors for me. I now look on Mike as my mentor as I embark on a career. Thank you Mike.” 
    Emma Steel, Proofreader and International Structural Editor.

    “ I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am so glad that I decided to take it... the whole experience was invaluable. My proofreading service is now well established and your course played no small part in getting it off the ground.”
    Hache L. Jones, Proofreader.

    “I'd just like to thank you first of all for writing such a great, straight forward eBook, and then going above and beyond what I would even expect as a customer by providing us, completely free of charge, updated versions months later!” 
    Rachel Gee, Trainee Proofreader.

    “What can I say? Worth every penny and then some! God Bless! This a fabulous course.” 
    Teresa Richardson, Proofreader.

    ​“As someone who has effectively been proofreading for thirty years, I found Mike’s No-Nonsense Proofreading Course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of this discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the ideal starting point, and much more besides.”

    ​Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader.

    Blog Author

    My name's Mike Sellars and I'm an experienced proofreader and the author of The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course. Click here to find out more about me.

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    “As someone who has been proofreading for 30 years, I found Mike’s course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of the discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader.


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  • Home
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