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Proofreading Marks: The Basics
- Jul 31, 2021
- 3 min read
It’s Skilful Saturday! Let’s Talk… proofreading marks, starting with general instructions.
What are ‘correction marks’?
Consider them the ‘shorthand’ that copy-editors and proofreaders (and others in the industry) use, for example, it highlights the errors and gives the instructions of what needs to replace the error, how to amend the mistake, or if it needs removing altogether. The marks are set by the British Standards Institution (BSi), and knowledge of these marks are required for more than just the editorial side of the industry. Typesetters, designers and printers also need to know what the marks mean to correct the layout, format and style of the book.
Copy-editors will also need to know these marks if an editor or proofreader has given them a manuscript with them and has asked them to make the necessary edits.
Using the Marks
Text:
make a mark in the text (to show where the corrections need to be made)
with some companies that use hard copy when editing, they may only make marks in the text (check with your publisher)
Margin:
make a mark in the margin
marginal marks are use to specify what needs to be done
if there is more than one mark in a line of text, then mark from let to right and use both margins if necessary
every marginal mark should be followed by an oblique stroke, unless it is already followed by the insert mark or the amendment is a delete symbol (*these symbols will be coming in future posts).
General Instructions
Instruction: ignore (commonly referred to as ‘stet’)
Ignore any marks that have been made; leave the text in its original state.
Margin Text
_ _ _ _ under characters to be left as they were
Instruction: query
Query for author/typesetter/printer/publisher.
Margin Text
a circle should be placed around text to be queried
Instruction: remove non-textual marks
Remove non-textual marks (e.g. illustrations, diagrams, figures).
Margin Text
None
Instruction: end of change
No more changes.
Margin Text
/ None
Proofreading Tips:
set aside adequate time for proofreading (if you rush or have to stop/start throughout, you may lose pace, miss any mistakes or parts that are unclear)
have access to a dictionary and thesaurus and any relevant style guides (to double check spellings, use of capitals and format/design)
if possible, read through the document several times (concentrating on different aspects each time, such as tone, grammar, punctuation, is a sure way to make certain you have not missed anything)
scientific, mathematical or medical symbols can often be corrupted during the typesetting process, so make sure you double-check those!
accented characters and currency symbols can also have a similar problem
if possible, have a version of the copy-edited text to refer to whilst you proofread
Learn these and practice these as often as you can so they become as familiar to you as the alphabet. Let us know how your learning is going – find us on Instagram and like, comment and subscribe. Don’t forget to submit your recommendations for Watch Wednesdays in the comments or through the form on our Contacts page. Keep using those keen eyes and stayed tuned for next week’s Skilful Saturday. Let’s talk then!
Book recommendations for further learning:
The Elements of Style – William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers – Renni Browne & Dave King
Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook – published annually by Bloomsbury, Writers & Artists offers advice, competitions, information about publishing companies, and knowledge that is vital for surviving the industry.
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