Proofreaders typically get puzzled with the time period 'reading towards copy', so in the following paragraphs I'll check out to explain what the phrase suggests.
There's two ways that a proofreader may be asked to work: both by looking through from duplicate, or performing a straight (blind) studying.
When she is requested to read through from duplicate, the proofreader are going to be provided Using the author's unique typescript (or a replica of this) Using the editor's corrections marked on it, as well as a set of proofs produced by the typesetter. The proofreader then compares the proofs With all the edited typescript, experiencing both equally, term by term, line by line, in order that the creator's textual content (along with any editorial amendments) has been faithfully rendered, with no errors introduced in the typesetting stage.
When carrying out a straight or blind reading through, the proofreader will likely be provided with proofs only and never the initial typescript. In cases like this, the proofreader can not know no matter whether the initial typescript has become accurately reproduced combined with the editor's corrections. Her position is actually to check the proofs for material, marking up any very clear problems in spelling, punctuation, and so forth, that she could locate.
When reading through towards copy, most proofreaders operate by scanning a few words of the first typescript, then examining to discover that these show up effectively about the proofs, with any editorial corrections appropriately carried out. In which There's a distinction (if, for instance, an apostrophe has been omitted), the proofreader indicates this with the right mark.
For every correction, one particular mark have to be created inside the text alone and A further from the margin. That is accomplished so as to make sure that, when the typesetter will come to include the proofreader's corrections, he isn't going to inadvertently skip above any of them.
Errors produced by the typesetter need to be highlighted with a single colour pen, mistakes via the creator/copy editor with An additional. This is not so that you can apportion blame, but to come to a decision who need to pay for the amendments. The standard system of coloration coding is demonstrated under:
Purple: That is accustomed to present problems that have been launched in the textual content because of the typesetter.
Blue: This is certainly utilized to clearly show glitches produced by the creator and skipped via the copy editor, and errors made by the copy editor herself.
(NOTE: some publishers prefer black ink to blue -- you will be advised of the when You begin working for them).
Environmentally friendly: This color is reserved for the typesetter's personal queries or corrections.
The cost of 'red' corrections will be borne from the typesetter, whilst that of 'blue' corrections will likely be satisfied from the publisher (or, in severe instances, the author). Which has a straight korektura textu examining, certainly, you won't know whose obligation any errors might be. In such cases, you can mark up all corrections in only one coloration (ordinarily pink).
To be a freelance proofreader you will be very likely to be made available additional straight readings than readings from duplicate. It is because the amended typescript is Typically returned for the copy editor for her to check versus the proofs. The proofreader's position is regarded a lot more as providing again-up: a contemporary pair of eyes which may location clear blunders ignored by an editor jaded by more than-familiarity. Even though the amended typescript may very well be copied and despatched on the proofreader likewise, in apply this is often felt by publishers to get excessive difficulty. This is probably not excellent, however it clarifies why proofreaders are more likely to be asked to carry out a straight reading rather than looking at in opposition to copy.