02 Proof

With an approved final 'master' on one side and the 'proof' or release-ready copy on the other, you can begin proof reading.

• Check every word. Match every word in the master with every word in the proof. Note any word alterations, additions or omissions.
• Check all punctuation. Match every element of punctuation to the master. Especially watch for double quotes (") and single quotes ('), spaces after sentences (one or two) and character placement (for example, is the period inside or outside the parentheses?)
• Check all pictures charts, tables and other inserted graphical features. Are the images identical? Are they the same size? Right-side up? Are the descriptions identical?
• Check page incidentals such as header and footer (section titles, location of information),  page numbers, titles, incidental marginalia (if any). This type of information is occasionally overlooked during the proofing process. Also check tables of contents and indexes is any exist.
• Check page layout. Margins, indents, paragraph spacing and the like should all match the master version. Do graphics and inserted features sit in the same position on the page?

If you are proof reading an electronic format:

• Check all links and jumps. Do they jump to the correct topic or address? Are they the expected colour and size?
• Check headings. They may look different, but do they share the same relationship (heading 1, 2, 3 etc.)?
• Check bullets and numbering. Wizards and templates very often change these features. Are the changes acceptable? Are bulleted and numbered lists correctly indented and spaced?
• Check paragraph spacing, margins, typeface and font size. Conversion to electronic formats occasionally cause irregularities in these features.

PROOF READING TIPS 02: Proof