The pen of a writer is blind, they always say. The truth in it cannot be over emphasized. Theoretical research has shown that the writer is liable to commit blunders quite different from his brain. In order words, his brain is filled with perfect words and expression, but due to the slowness of hands, the written outcome is disfigured. This is why the proofreaders are not just editors, but life saviours.
Proofreading is the process of carefully examining a written text to identify and correct errors before it is published, submitted, or shared. Editing can involve restructuring ideas, improving arguments, changing tone, or rewriting sentences, whereas proofreading usually comes after editing and concentrates on correcting the remaining errors. A proofreader, therefore, is a person who typically checks for spelling and typographical errors, grammar and punctuation capitalisation, incorrect or missing words, formatting and consistency, and basic factual or typographical inconsistencies.
The work of a proofreader is to ensure that the work comes out as seamless as the writer intended it. This is why the failure of a book to be near perfect is not in the writer but in his beta readers. So to say, the success or failure of a book or written content depends on the quality of the proofreader.
A major trait usually expected of them is eagle sight, the ability to spot errors from likely and unlikely ones. It will surprise anyone that mistakes can still be raked after proofreading it for the tenth time. Only beta readers will be able to still spot unlikely errors in a text.
As stated earlier, proofreaders edit for several purposes. Categorising them into two parts, proofreaders edits for developmental purposes and grammar purposes. For developmental purposes, proofreaders are beta readers who check the plot, the plot twist, the conflict, the climax, the resolution, and the catharsis if added. They review the philosophical background of the story, how much of it presents the writer in the right light. Or the themes: how do they build up the conflict? More importantly, they ensure the novel does not lose focus. It is possible for a writer to dwindle between topics, most times in an undisciplined manner.
Secondly, the grammar. This is where the proofreader sits as a dentist with his lights and a brush, checking for decays in the tooth. He checks for omissions and corrects them. These include correcting capitalisation, incorrect or missing words, formatting and consistency, or basic typographical errors.
In conclusion, the proofreader is as important to the writer as the critic and editor. The advantage of a proofreader is that he is an angel sent to guide you away from the flaming sword or condemning gavel of the critic. The proofreader is the still voice telling you not to go into an error, and you get rewarded when you obey. A good percentage of writers getting rejections have not explored this option yet. If you ask any established writer, they will tell you that their first success as a writer was listening to their proofreader.
Author
Paul Olayioye
