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Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies
Turn your knack for language into a lucrative career Must-know techniques and resources for maximizing your accuracy and speed
Interested in becoming a copyeditor or proofreader? Want to know more about what each job entails? This friendly guide helps you position yourself for success. Polish your skills, build a winning resume and land the job you've always wanted. Books, magazines, Web sites, corporate documents - find out how to improve any type of publication and make yourself indispensable to writers, editors, and your boss.
Balance between style and rules Master the art of the query Use proofreader symbols Edit and proof electronic documents Build a solid freelancing career
Interested in becoming a copyeditor or proofreader? Want to know more about what each job entails? This friendly guide helps you position yourself for success. Polish your skills, build a winning resume and land the job you've always wanted. Books, magazines, Web sites, corporate documents - find out how to improve any type of publication and make yourself indispensable to writers, editors, and your boss.
Balance between style and rules Master the art of the query Use proofreader symbols Edit and proof electronic documents Build a solid freelancing career
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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751 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 41 reviews
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February 22, 2017Yesterday we watched Guy Masterson's Barking Mad, a one-man comedy routine that Masterson wrote as a tribute to his German wife Brigitta. Well, I thought, I can do that too...
Scene 1
[A school playground. A cute but anxious SECOND-GRADER is staring at his exercise book. He doesn't notice NOT in the background]
SECOND-GRADER: Oh no! Is it S-E-E-L-I-N-G? Or C-I-E-L-I-N-G? Teacher's gonna be so mad, she wanted us to practice-
NOT: [sotto voce] It's a job for... Copyeditorwoman!
[In a split second, she's wearing a tight spangly costume with a cape and is standing next to the SECOND-GRADER]
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Let me help you. [She takes out her magic copyediting pencil] First, it's C-E-I-L-I-N-G. And this "done" should be a "did", and you need a hyphen here-
SECOND-GRADER: What's a hyphen?
COPYEDITORWOMAN: You'll understand when you're older. Look, all finished!
SECOND-GRADER: Wow!! How did you do that?
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Just remember, I before E except after C. Easy, isn't it?
SECOND-GRADER: Yes, Copyeditorwoman!
[Dissolve to]
Scene 2
[A greengrocer's stall. Three arrogant ACADEMICS are pointing at the misspelled signs and laughing in an unpleasant and affected manner. The GREENGROCER is almost in tears but doesn't dare say anything. Enter NOT]
NOT: Those heartless bullies! How dare they! [She transforms again] I'll show them.
[A few lightning strokes from her pencil, and the GREENGROCER is beaming while the ACADEMICS look on aghast]
GREENGROCER: Oh thank you, Copyeditorwoman! My apostrophes look like new! I can hold my head up high again!
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Don't mention it. [To the ACADEMICS] I'm sorry, did you gentlemen wish to purchase something?
FIRST ACADEMIC: Err... could you sell us the entire contents of your stall?
SECOND ACADEMIC: At double the list price?
THIRD ACADEMIC: And make it a standing order?
[As the GREENGROCER starts putting fruit in bags, dissolve to]
Scene 3
[The Oval Office. COPYEDITORWOMAN is bent over the President's desk, scribbling with her magic pencil. Enter STEVE BANNON and STEPHEN MILLER]
BANNON: [Pointing gun at COPYEDITORWOMAN] Hold it right there. Now move slowly away from the desk. Stephen, check what she's been writing.
MILLER: [Picking up paper and staring incredulously] Holy smokes boss, I can't believe it! Our new draft executive order...
BANNON: Yes?
MILLER: It's... it's grammatical and correctly spelled! All the legal references are sourced! In fact, I don't know how to say this...
BANNON: What?
MILLER: It doesn't look like the work of a couple of illiterate racists! Check it out yourself!
[DONALD TRUMP has come in while they've been talking]
TRUMP: You're hired!
COPYEDITORWOMAN: [to camera] You see, it's not always so fucking easy being a superhero.
Scene 1
[A school playground. A cute but anxious SECOND-GRADER is staring at his exercise book. He doesn't notice NOT in the background]
SECOND-GRADER: Oh no! Is it S-E-E-L-I-N-G? Or C-I-E-L-I-N-G? Teacher's gonna be so mad, she wanted us to practice-
NOT: [sotto voce] It's a job for... Copyeditorwoman!
[In a split second, she's wearing a tight spangly costume with a cape and is standing next to the SECOND-GRADER]
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Let me help you. [She takes out her magic copyediting pencil] First, it's C-E-I-L-I-N-G. And this "done" should be a "did", and you need a hyphen here-
SECOND-GRADER: What's a hyphen?
COPYEDITORWOMAN: You'll understand when you're older. Look, all finished!
SECOND-GRADER: Wow!! How did you do that?
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Just remember, I before E except after C. Easy, isn't it?
SECOND-GRADER: Yes, Copyeditorwoman!
[Dissolve to]
Scene 2
[A greengrocer's stall. Three arrogant ACADEMICS are pointing at the misspelled signs and laughing in an unpleasant and affected manner. The GREENGROCER is almost in tears but doesn't dare say anything. Enter NOT]
NOT: Those heartless bullies! How dare they! [She transforms again] I'll show them.
[A few lightning strokes from her pencil, and the GREENGROCER is beaming while the ACADEMICS look on aghast]
GREENGROCER: Oh thank you, Copyeditorwoman! My apostrophes look like new! I can hold my head up high again!
COPYEDITORWOMAN: Don't mention it. [To the ACADEMICS] I'm sorry, did you gentlemen wish to purchase something?
FIRST ACADEMIC: Err... could you sell us the entire contents of your stall?
SECOND ACADEMIC: At double the list price?
THIRD ACADEMIC: And make it a standing order?
[As the GREENGROCER starts putting fruit in bags, dissolve to]
Scene 3
[The Oval Office. COPYEDITORWOMAN is bent over the President's desk, scribbling with her magic pencil. Enter STEVE BANNON and STEPHEN MILLER]
BANNON: [Pointing gun at COPYEDITORWOMAN] Hold it right there. Now move slowly away from the desk. Stephen, check what she's been writing.
MILLER: [Picking up paper and staring incredulously] Holy smokes boss, I can't believe it! Our new draft executive order...
BANNON: Yes?
MILLER: It's... it's grammatical and correctly spelled! All the legal references are sourced! In fact, I don't know how to say this...
BANNON: What?
MILLER: It doesn't look like the work of a couple of illiterate racists! Check it out yourself!
[DONALD TRUMP has come in while they've been talking]
TRUMP: You're hired!
COPYEDITORWOMAN: [to camera] You see, it's not always so fucking easy being a superhero.
May 15, 2010
This book has everything you could possibly want to know about copyediting and proofreading. It's the first 'Dummies' book that I've ever read, and it's going to be an invaluable resource for me as I start to develop my freelance career.
May 5, 2021
Oh... my. I didn't realise quite how outdated this book was when I picked it up.
For some reason, I thought it was last updated in 2015, so I figured there'd be some stuff that wasn't up-to-date, but the majority of it should still be reasonably relevant. However, I realised, when I checked the copyright page that it was actually written in 2007 and then last updated in 2011, which... explains a LOT.
This book - like most of the "For Dummies" catalogue - is written for absolute newbies. But despite that, I still - as an editor with 35 books and too many corporate documents to count under my belt - learned some stuff, which is great. For example, I've always worked with online documents, in Word or PDF, with clients who only correspond with me via email or Zoom (OK, and maybe with Skype at the beginning... but you know what I'm getting at.)
And even though one of my clients is a full service author support agency, I've never really been involved in the process of getting a book ready for publication after the manuscript I've edited goes back to the agency (or the author).
So I had no idea of all the moving parts that constitute book publication at a major publisher. Nor did I have any idea of what it's like to edit or proofread from hard copy documents (or at least... that's apparently what it was like in 2007. I have zero idea if things still work the same way now).
But. Holy wow, some of the advice in here is so freaking dated now. In particular, the advice to start a website on Geocities, or a blog on LiveJournal felt... adorable, but also dated enough to make me wonder about the relevance of the rest of the information in the book. Also, the very earnest descriptions of how to set yourself up as a copyeditor or proofreader of electronic documents (eg. choosing the right computer to work on, and getting to grips with the basics of MS Word for those who've never come across it before) made me want to reach out through my screen, pat Ms Gilad on the head and say "Oh, bless."
(Seriously: I acknowledge that this is almost certainly an entirely inappropriate response. Her editing CV at the time she wrote this was no doubt many, MANY times more impressive than mine, and I imagine that, 14 years later, it's only increased by an order of magnitude. But still... Geocities!)
The one thing I do want to acknowledge - in addition to the pure interest factor of 'what goes into publishing a book and editing in hard copy' - is the various references and resources she's recommended checking out. There were many of them, and I'm looking forward to seeing which of them are still around and how useful each one will end up being for me.
All in all, I'm not sure how much I'd recommend this to newbie copyeditors or proofreaders, because I'm still not sure how out-of-date some of the more important information in it is. If it's mostly still relevant, then this is probably a good option for someone who's completely new to the fields of either copyediting or proofreading. Also, for anyone who, like me, has had a thorough grounding in one aspect of the industry, but knows almost nothing about other elements of it.
But just keep in mind... Geocities!!!
For some reason, I thought it was last updated in 2015, so I figured there'd be some stuff that wasn't up-to-date, but the majority of it should still be reasonably relevant. However, I realised, when I checked the copyright page that it was actually written in 2007 and then last updated in 2011, which... explains a LOT.
This book - like most of the "For Dummies" catalogue - is written for absolute newbies. But despite that, I still - as an editor with 35 books and too many corporate documents to count under my belt - learned some stuff, which is great. For example, I've always worked with online documents, in Word or PDF, with clients who only correspond with me via email or Zoom (OK, and maybe with Skype at the beginning... but you know what I'm getting at.)
And even though one of my clients is a full service author support agency, I've never really been involved in the process of getting a book ready for publication after the manuscript I've edited goes back to the agency (or the author).
So I had no idea of all the moving parts that constitute book publication at a major publisher. Nor did I have any idea of what it's like to edit or proofread from hard copy documents (or at least... that's apparently what it was like in 2007. I have zero idea if things still work the same way now).
But. Holy wow, some of the advice in here is so freaking dated now. In particular, the advice to start a website on Geocities, or a blog on LiveJournal felt... adorable, but also dated enough to make me wonder about the relevance of the rest of the information in the book. Also, the very earnest descriptions of how to set yourself up as a copyeditor or proofreader of electronic documents (eg. choosing the right computer to work on, and getting to grips with the basics of MS Word for those who've never come across it before) made me want to reach out through my screen, pat Ms Gilad on the head and say "Oh, bless."
(Seriously: I acknowledge that this is almost certainly an entirely inappropriate response. Her editing CV at the time she wrote this was no doubt many, MANY times more impressive than mine, and I imagine that, 14 years later, it's only increased by an order of magnitude. But still... Geocities!)
The one thing I do want to acknowledge - in addition to the pure interest factor of 'what goes into publishing a book and editing in hard copy' - is the various references and resources she's recommended checking out. There were many of them, and I'm looking forward to seeing which of them are still around and how useful each one will end up being for me.
All in all, I'm not sure how much I'd recommend this to newbie copyeditors or proofreaders, because I'm still not sure how out-of-date some of the more important information in it is. If it's mostly still relevant, then this is probably a good option for someone who's completely new to the fields of either copyediting or proofreading. Also, for anyone who, like me, has had a thorough grounding in one aspect of the industry, but knows almost nothing about other elements of it.
But just keep in mind... Geocities!!!
January 19, 2021
This is pretty dated -- step by step instructions for how to use spell check and track changes! -- but still useful. I wish it put more emphasis on concrete, step by step details of the editing process, but that's just my preference, and there's plenty of helpful stuff here. I appreciated all the emphasis on freelancing and how to actually make money.
December 15, 2012
I'm currently undertaking a distance learning proofreading course, so when somebody at work (I work for the publisher of this book) offered me a free copy that had been lying on their desk for years I jumped at the chance for a little extra guidance.
If you've ever read a dummies book before you'll know what kind of style to expect. It's easy reading and as basic as you're going to get which is what I was looking for. My course notes give me the tricky in-depth information and this text breaks it down into digestable chunks. It's also provided me with some tips that I think will be invaluable.
Unfortunately for me, this version of the book is aimed at a US readership which meant I had to disregard a lot of the advice about spelling, grammer and proofreading symbols etc! A UK readership version is available so be wary about which audience you are most likely to be proofing for before purchasing the book, or following any territory specific advice.
If you've ever read a dummies book before you'll know what kind of style to expect. It's easy reading and as basic as you're going to get which is what I was looking for. My course notes give me the tricky in-depth information and this text breaks it down into digestable chunks. It's also provided me with some tips that I think will be invaluable.
Unfortunately for me, this version of the book is aimed at a US readership which meant I had to disregard a lot of the advice about spelling, grammer and proofreading symbols etc! A UK readership version is available so be wary about which audience you are most likely to be proofing for before purchasing the book, or following any territory specific advice.
July 18, 2014
Great Resource
Great Resource
This book lays the stepping stones to an independent life as a freelance copywriter or proofreader making a good living. While the author says it's a resource guide, I read it like a novel. Suzanne offers warm encouragement, funny stories, and an insider's view on how to reach the goal. You'll find examples, templates, and links to tools you will need, as well as advice and straight talk on how to take your first step. Buy it now!
Great Resource
This book lays the stepping stones to an independent life as a freelance copywriter or proofreader making a good living. While the author says it's a resource guide, I read it like a novel. Suzanne offers warm encouragement, funny stories, and an insider's view on how to reach the goal. You'll find examples, templates, and links to tools you will need, as well as advice and straight talk on how to take your first step. Buy it now!
July 19, 2017
This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to become an editor in any way, shape, or form! I definitely plan to keep it on my shelf and in use.
September 15, 2011
Just going to stay on top of things in the weeks before my next class starts.
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Most of this book was material I covered in Copyediting I, but I didn't mind re-reading it in a less academic tone and setting. Since this is an entry in the For Dummies series, plenty of the material was superficial in nature; however, it's completely worth the price of admission for Chapters 18, 19, and 20, which are full of what I thought was pretty valuable information on finding contacts in the publishing industry, job-seeking, resume-polishing, invoice creation, networking, etc. There are also plenty of useful websites noted that I bookmarked, and some helpful appendixes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of this book was material I covered in Copyediting I, but I didn't mind re-reading it in a less academic tone and setting. Since this is an entry in the For Dummies series, plenty of the material was superficial in nature; however, it's completely worth the price of admission for Chapters 18, 19, and 20, which are full of what I thought was pretty valuable information on finding contacts in the publishing industry, job-seeking, resume-polishing, invoice creation, networking, etc. There are also plenty of useful websites noted that I bookmarked, and some helpful appendixes.
April 14, 2016
User-friendly and easy to understand, while being perfect for beginners or people considering working in the field. Contains separate sections for copyeditors and proofreaders, efficiently describing the differences between the two positions.
December 3, 2017
Less of a guide and more of an advice book. Nice introduction to the concept of copyediting, but should be skimmed and used for reference to look up simple stuff.
September 29, 2019
Could use an update. The copyright is 2007. While is contains a ton of good information, I could tell that some of it is outdated. That makes me wonder about the usefulness of the rest. Still a good resource, but I’ll need to find some more up to date information.
December 13, 2020
Needs updating
Good info, but sometimes the author’s tone & humor bothered me. How many times does she use the word “tome”? A lot, is the answer.
Plz publish an updated version of this, for Christ sakes.
Good info, but sometimes the author’s tone & humor bothered me. How many times does she use the word “tome”? A lot, is the answer.
Plz publish an updated version of this, for Christ sakes.
September 23, 2021
3 stars
This was helpful, but would be more helpful for someone looking into a career in this area. I think it will help a little with my own writing, but not sure if all the copyediting and proofreading marks are used in online edits.
This was helpful, but would be more helpful for someone looking into a career in this area. I think it will help a little with my own writing, but not sure if all the copyediting and proofreading marks are used in online edits.
April 6, 2018
Fun read! I'm considering this line of work and thought I'd get a start on what it's all about. The for Dummies series puts serious information into a whimsical package. Thank you :)
June 20, 2018
Great intro into copyediting/proofreading.
December 17, 2018
Lots of good information although sections on the internet and electronic editing are very out of date (geocities! It mentions geocities!!).
February 25, 2019
Author needs to quit editing and become a comedian
The author's tone is silly to the point of being ridiculous and is rarely serious. This book is boring me.
The author's tone is silly to the point of being ridiculous and is rarely serious. This book is boring me.
November 14, 2020
This book has some useful summary information. The focus is on copyediting, not proofreading. Due to publication in 2007, the electronic information and digital resources listed are outdated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2022
Quite useful for beginners...
June 17, 2024
Did not mind going through it and recollecting class lessons one bit, despite the text being slightly outdated.
September 28, 2020
The detail & references in this book encourage me to push on with my goal of becoming a professional Proofreader or more. Easy read.
August 1, 2012
Has some good resources but has weaknesses as well.
The single most important bit of information I gained was regarding Style Sheets. The small publishers I have worked for have not incorporated style sheets, so I was unfamiliar with them; however, I definitely see their worth and plan to add this to my editing process.
I also found the following sections helpful: sample copyediting passages, common word usage mishaps, the overview on dictionaries and style guides and their individual strengths, other helpful editing related websites and blogs,
One negative was that an error was made in the book formatting: the section pages that tell you what is in the section came at the end of the section rather than the beginning. And there were errors in provided website addresses (Project Gutenberg is www.gutenberg.org not .com) I was surprised that small publishers and publishing agents were not included as sources for finding work in book publishing. And I would have liked to have seen more information on the legalities of freelance editing. There was a short note about what to include in a contract, but no discussion about potential problems and how to handle them.
The single most important bit of information I gained was regarding Style Sheets. The small publishers I have worked for have not incorporated style sheets, so I was unfamiliar with them; however, I definitely see their worth and plan to add this to my editing process.
I also found the following sections helpful: sample copyediting passages, common word usage mishaps, the overview on dictionaries and style guides and their individual strengths, other helpful editing related websites and blogs,
One negative was that an error was made in the book formatting: the section pages that tell you what is in the section came at the end of the section rather than the beginning. And there were errors in provided website addresses (Project Gutenberg is www.gutenberg.org not .com) I was surprised that small publishers and publishing agents were not included as sources for finding work in book publishing. And I would have liked to have seen more information on the legalities of freelance editing. There was a short note about what to include in a contract, but no discussion about potential problems and how to handle them.
January 14, 2012
This was my first "Dummies" book, and I found it to be quite helpful in getting myself started as a proofreader. The copy I read was from the library, but I plan on purchasing a copy for myself when I get a chance--perhaps after my first paying proofreading job. Considering the topic, I was surprised at the number of typos (even in the corrected samples); don't let this deter you, it's still a very helpful resource. We'll call them PE's. ;-)
June 12, 2015
I really don't like the for Dummies jokey style. Sure, it is OK the first time you come across it, but after a while it grates a bit. Please update your style guide!
That said, plenty of useful tips and information about copyediting and proofreading. Given me plenty to think about, and I will attempt to apply some of it to any writing I do at the appropriate stage.
Having read this review through a couple of times, hope there are not any errors...
That said, plenty of useful tips and information about copyediting and proofreading. Given me plenty to think about, and I will attempt to apply some of it to any writing I do at the appropriate stage.
Having read this review through a couple of times, hope there are not any errors...
July 24, 2020
Great Resource for Aspiring Copyeditors and Proofreaders
The contents of this book are very helpful, especially for someone just getting into copyediting or proofreading. There are a lot of great resources included and a lot of publishing terminology is also explained. I would love to see an updated version of this book as some of the websites and listed resources no longer exist (this is the reason for the four-star rating, instead of five).
The contents of this book are very helpful, especially for someone just getting into copyediting or proofreading. There are a lot of great resources included and a lot of publishing terminology is also explained. I would love to see an updated version of this book as some of the websites and listed resources no longer exist (this is the reason for the four-star rating, instead of five).
December 31, 2019
This is a useful and handy introduction to the field, but is in severe need of revision. It may have been a five-star book in 2007 when it was first published, but it's really a shame Wiley is still printing that edition instead of giving Gilad the opportunity to update it. Over a decade after it was written, many of the web resources mentioned don't exist anymore and many others should be added. Wiley, please bring out a second edition!
April 19, 2011
Quite a bit of useful information for those looking to know more about copyediting and proofreading. However, Gilad's tone of writing leaves less than to be desired and the examples provided, to explain the concepts, are very simplistic. The simplicity isn't particularly informative for those proofreading/copyediting more complex pieces and looking for assistance with such projects.
September 7, 2013
I enjoyed reading it. I recommend reading it as you would a reference book. I'm in magazine publishing, so I focused on those chapters that would help strengthen my editing career in that industry.
It does offer a plethora of tips, websites and great insight on the process. Read it and 're-read it as needed.
It does offer a plethora of tips, websites and great insight on the process. Read it and 're-read it as needed.
February 9, 2014
The chapter on punctuation rules was helpful. Much of the book was about getting an editing job which was not what I expected. The before and after editing examples were useful in showing me I am a terrible proofreader. The book did little to help me learn to be a better proofreader(in fairness it did have a few suggestions for how to proofread.)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 41 reviews