Watch the video below or download our PDFProofreading marks, also known as proofreading symbols and most frequently referred to as “those crazy, arcane little squiggly things pedantic, meddling proofreaders cover everything in” are often viewed as something of a hold-over from another age. However, proofreading marks are an essential part of every serious proofreader’s toolbox. |
Why are proofreading marks so important to the professional proofreader?
There are two key reasons why it is crucial to learn how to recognise and use proofreading symbols if you intend to pursue a career as a professional proofreader.
1. Proofreading symbols are widely used. So, if you know how to use them, too, it will make it a lot easier for an employer or someone looking to hire you on a freelance basis to bring you on board. They won’t have to worry about training you up. There will probably be some variations on the kinds of proofreading marks used. Most organisations tend to add to or adapt the ‘official’ proofreading symbols to their own purpose. However, traditional publishing houses will rarely do this. Because, well, they’re... traditional. They’ll almost certainly use the Chicago Manual of Style or Merriam-Webster, or, for the UK, British Standards proofreading marks (BS 5261).
2. Proofreading marks are capable of communicating a great deal of information in a very small space. When you are proofreading, you’ll find that space on the page is at a premium. If you’re lucky, you’ll have an inch of margin on all sides of the text and maybe a
quarter of an inch between lines. This will make it extremely difficult to point an arrow into the middle of a paragraph and add a chunk of margin text saying, “Delete the word ‘porcupine’,replace it with ‘hedgehog’. Swap ‘pot’ and ‘casserole’ around. And, oh, don’t forget to italicise ‘essential’ and put a capital ‘P’ on ‘peterson’. Thanks.”Using proofreading symbols, you’ll be able to take care of all of this with just a few of those crazy, arcane little squiggly things.
The video above covers most of the proofreading marks in use today and all of the commonly used proofreading symbols. Below, you’ll find a downloadable pdf version of the video which you can keep on your computer (or print out) and use as a handy guide to proofreading symbols.
| Proofreading Marks (AKA Proofreading Symbols): a Handy Guide. |
You'll find more information about proofreading marks and a great deal more beside in The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course.
Best of luck with all your proofreading endeavours!
Best of luck with all your proofreading endeavours!