Overview of proofreading expectations:

The proofreader checks the quality and accuracy of the typesetter's work (the proof, i.e., first pass pages) and compares it to the copyedited manuscript (where applicable) to ensure all instructions were followed.

The proofreader reads the copy for consistency in usage and layout, for accuracy in the text and references, and for typesetting errors. Note: The proofreader is only acting as a quality check, making sure that the copyeditor or typesetter has not missed something. He or she is not responsible for content accuracy.

Judgment should be used in marking amendments, as the proofreading stage is not a second round of copyediting. Heavy and unnecessary edits at this stage will result in delays and added costs.Always query the Production Editor before implementing extensive or global changes.

Proofreaders are expected to:

  • Compare the proofs with the edits marked in the foul manuscript line by line (unless a cold read is specified by the Production Editor).
  • Check that page numbers are consecutive and that running headings are correct.
  • Ensure that the numbering of all elements is correct.
  • Ensure consistency (particularly of alternative spellings and hyphenation) by following JBL’s house style (found on the vendor resources website), specific guidelines or notes about style from the copyeditor (which will be provided by the Production Editor when available), or sometimes enforcing their own style (often through research of correct spelling, etc.).
  • Identify necessary changes and mark them on the PDFs using the text editing and comments tools (see the Electronic Proofreading Guidelines on the vendor resources website). For hard copy edits, please request markup guidelines from your Production Editor.
  • The work should NOT be re-edited at this stage. Acceptable changes are corrections to typographical errors and misspellings, minor adjustments to grammar and dealing with inconsistencies, but never restructuring or rewriting. If the proofreader feels that an extensive change is necessary, s/he should discuss with the Production Editor (who may need to communicate with the author or compositor) before proceeding.
  • Mark amendments accurately and consistently, taking into consideration the budgetary implications of any changes. Adding or removing just one word may, in some circumstances, have a ripple effect that drastically alters page layout, resulting in unacceptable costs and delay.
  • Watch out for typographical and design inconsistencies, as well as textual ones.
  • Cross-check chapter titles with the table of contents. Check that the list of end matter (appendices, index, etc.) corresponds to the text and that the chapter outlines match the text and the table of contents (where applicable).
  • Check or insert numbers in cross-references. For scrubbed books, ensure that cross-references are eliminated (see our new scrubbing guidelines, found in the Copyeditors section of the vendor resources website).
  • Ensure that bleeds extend 1/8” beyond the trim marks (where applicable).
  • Eliminate poor or confusing word, column, and page breaks. Widows, orphans, and ladders are undesirable and it may be necessary to adjust the text to correct for these (as long as eliminating does not introduce a greater error).
  • Ensure that illustrations and their captions and labels correspond with each other and with the text, checking credit lines against the provided element logs.
  • Check that each page is aesthetically pleasing and logically arranged.
  • Liaise with the Production Editor, querying any uncertainties as they arise.