Nothing brings a rejection faster than a manuscript with numerous typos. The errors stand out and all the pretty, shiny words, the metaphors, and the beautiful imagery the writer worked so hard to create become lost behind a work that is presented before it's properly proofread.
Proofreading the First Draft
When writing a first draft, proofreading isn't essential. Assuming the writer has a good grasp of grammar and punctuation, the aim should be to just get the story down. All writers work differently. Some hop all over the manuscript writing the end before the prologue and the epilogue before the early chapters. Other writers just begin with the first chapter and don't stop until they type "The End." Others write from the beginning making numerous stops to proofread, rewrite and tweak before continuing. While proofreading isn't necessary when writing a first draft, it's a good way to catch those errors early.
Typos and Common Writing Mistakes
Not all writing mistakes are simple typos like "e before i" and that sort of thing. Many errors occur on a much grander scale. They might include bad grammar, and good grammar is an essential skill every writer should have.
To avoid common mistakes in grammar, read each sentence out of context to ensure it is clear, that all the parts of the sentence agree, and that the spelling and punctuation are correct. Ensure the words themselves are used correctly as well. Avoid "it's" when it should be "its." Avoid "affect" when it should be "effect." Look at the common mistakes made in the writing and the writer will soon learn to pick them out for correction.
Put the Manuscript Away Before Proofreading
When a story, novel or article has just been written, it's too fresh to proofread and errors get missed. Writers have no trouble proofreading other people's work because they haven't read it before. But when proofreading one's own work soon after it's written, the writer can miss obvious things. It's better to put the manuscript away before proofreading it, to look at it again with fresh eyes. Even a few days can make a difference.
Check Details for Accuracy
Everyone has read a book they've questioned afterward. Perhaps a historical fiction piece that had the wrong date or a famous painting or building placed a century before its time. This is a result of the writer not checking facts.
Attention to detail is important to any book of fiction or short story. Get it wrong and the writer has lost his or her audience. It's never wise to assume a fact. The reader will catch the error and stop reading.
Proofreading Tips
There are lots of tricks to make those typos and errors stand out when proofreading and every writer has his or her own methods.
- Temporarily change the font and type size when proofreading. It will give the proofreader fresh perspective.
- Learn to note the mistakes most often made in order not to make them again.
- Read the work out loud. Note how the piece flows or doesn't flow. Note any awkward phrasing that doesn't roll off the tongue the way it should.
- Print the manuscript off and read it in a different environment.
- Find a fellow writer who is willing to do proofreading exchanges.
- Don't use or rely on grammar software or online spell checkers. They are not always accurate.
- Purchase reference books like The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White, a good dictionary and good thesaurus. These books will be a great help when proofreading.
The Perfect Manuscript
Manuscripts with errors often slip though the publishing system, from writer to agent, agent to editor, editor to copy editor. Even when the galley proofs are sent back to the writer for a final read-through, one error may still exist between the shiny covers on book shop shelves. Most errors can be avoided with careful proofreading. It's all part of good manuscript preparation.
Lorraine Syratt - Lorraine Syratt is a freelance writer, gardener and part-time antique dealer. Please see her full profile for more information.
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