by Barbara McNichol
What’s the last step you take before finalizing what you’ve written and pressing the SEND button? No doubt you’ve heard the magic word “proofread” before. But what does it actually mean to proofread well?
In my writing Wordshops, we go through a fill-in-the-blank exercise that leads to a lively discussion because the answers can be slippery. However, here’s your chance to confirm what proofreading means — and a sharp reminder to do at least two of these activities EVERY TIME when polishing your own work.
When you proofread, do some or all of these activities:
Reread what you wrote at least t____ or t_____ times.
Have at least t__ other people read it, too.
Save it and p_______ it out, and then read it, preferably in another room.
Reread ONLY after you have let it sit for t___ to t_____ minutes minimum.
Read every sentence o___ l___. Even read it b________!
Consider the readers’ v_________. What do they want or need?
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Here are my recommended answers. Were you close?
Reread what you wrote at least two or three times.
Have at least two other people read it, too.
Save it and print it out, and then read it, preferably in another room.
Reread ONLY after you have let it sit for ten to twenty minutes minimum.
Read every sentence out loud. Even read it backwards!
Consider the readers’ viewpoint. What do they want or need? Have you succeeded in writing this piece that way?
Do you have your own proofreading protocol? Please share it here.
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