M F ALFREY

And finally, the very last check before a book is released to the public. This stage is performed at the micro level and is probably the stage most people are familiar with: the proofread.

What it is

At the proofread stage, the editor has their hunter hat on. It is at this stage they stalk through the text with a fine-tooth comb, after all other stages, to fix any layout and design errors. Any mistakes missed during the copy edit stage (grammar, punctuation, spelling). Essentially, it is the final polish and mop up before the manuscript gets the green light for launch.

What it’s not

It is not about substantial changes to the content. All the craft-based elements and technical elements should have already been addressed in the previous stages. This is because the manuscript has gone through so much already. Massive changes, cuts, additions, revisions, tweaks, and check after check. It is important to note, that a lot of first-time authors may ask an editor for a proofread but, in reality, need another service. A responsible editor will inform their client if a different service is more applicable to the manuscript. This may be because there are issues with plot and POV, or character, which cannot be rectified by a proofread.

What the author gets

The author gets essentially what will be the final book as readers will see it, excluding the cover, backmatter, etc. The as near-perfect version as can be possible after all that hard work from the author, alpha and beta readers, developmental editor, line editor, and copy editor. It is done! Of course, as you probably well know from having read professionally published novels, tiny errors slip the net. This is inevitable, and are usually things picked up, and rectified in subsequent editions of the book.

The Hybrid Between Copy Editing and Proofreading

So you most likely have heard of a copy edit and proofread, and may have even heard of a line edit, and developmental edit if you have read this guide in order, but what about this thing called a proof edit?

What it is

The proof edit is a hybrid of copy editing and proof reading. Usually this is suggested if a manuscript is submitted for a proofread yet still has major grammar, punctuation, spelling and sense issues.

What it’s not

It is not a developmental edit, line edit or copy edit. So the attention to these details is a little broader. This is because rather than specialising, the editor has to generalise, and the more tasks a person has to do, the more their focus is spread. A proof edit is not suited to developmental aspects like writing mechanics, plot, pace, fact-checking, structure, and character, which are substantive editing issues.

What the author gets

Like most combinations of things, you do not get the best of both worlds but rather a little of each. This might be manifested as a comb through the manuscript with an eye out for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sense. Which may be presented in an annotated document with a report breaking down the corrections and minor revisions.

So why ask for a proof edit?

Commonly, first-time authors – indie or those seeking the traditional route – may do the alpha and beta stages and then jump straight to proofreading. This may occur because of time constraints, or affordability, or because the author genuinely believes the manuscript is ready for the proofread stage (or has misunderstood what a proofread is). In an ideal world, personally, as an indie author myself, I would put my manuscript through all the other steps first. However, we do not live in an ideal world and budgeting is a very real thing we all have to consider.

Further Reading