PROOF-READING
=How Proof is Corrected.= After copy has been set up in type, the
type is put into a long, narrow metal tray called a “galley.” On a
small hand or power press a printed sheet of each galley is made, or
“pulled,” called a “proof,” or “galley proof.” To “pull a galley proof”
is to make a printed copy of the type in the tray.
Each “proof” is carefully compared with the copy so that errors made
by compositors or operators in setting up the copy in type may be
discovered and corrected. On large newspapers the proof is corrected
by proof-readers employed for the purpose, and the proof-reading room
is connected with the composing room. Each proof-reader is assisted by
a copy-holder who reads in a monotone everything in the copy including
punctuation, capitalization, and paragraphing, so that the proof-reader
may see whether or not the printed form corresponds exactly to the
copy. In smaller offices editors and reporters read proof, comparing
the printed form with the copy only when it is necessary. Every one who
writes for publication should know how to correct proof, so that he may
be able to do this work quickly and accurately when occasion demands it.
By the use of a few marks and signs it is easy to indicate clearly just
how proof is to be changed and corrected. The least possible change
should be made because every correction means a loss of time. When
linotypes are used, every change makes necessary the recasting of one
whole line at least, while when monotypes are used, each piece of type
must be handled separately. Accordingly, when one or more words have
been inadvertently omitted and must be inserted, effort is made to cut
out other words of about the same length and not absolutely necessary
in the same line, in the preceding line, or in the following one, so
that not more than one or two lines will have to be recast or reset to
make room for the added words. Likewise, when one or more words must
be taken out, others should be inserted in the same line or adjoining
lines to fill up the space.
As in the editing of copy, so in the correcting of proof, the
changes should be indicated in a manner that makes unmistakable to
the compositor the exact character of the modifications. Confused
correction of proof, like poor editing of copy, causes loss of time and
increases the probability of error.
Errors in proof are most readily detected if a card is used to cover
all lines except the one that is being corrected. The card is moved
down from line to line as each is read and corrected. By having but one
line before him at a time and by scrutinizing sharply every word, the
reader more readily catches any errors.
=Marks used in Correcting Proof.= The proof-reading signs and marks,
grouped according to their use, are as follows:
_Paragraphing_
[Illustration: Begin a new paragraph.]
[Illustration: Don’t begin a new paragraph.]
[Illustration: Make one element follow the other in the same line.]
_Spacing_
[Illustration: Correct uneven spacing between words.]
[Illustration: Put in space.]
[Illustration: Reduce the space.]
[Illustration: Close up by taking out all the spacing.]
[Illustration: Close up but leave some space.]
[Illustration: Push down a space that prints.]
[Illustration: Put in thin spaces between letters, i.e., “letter
space.”]
_Position_
[Illustration: Move to the left.]
[Illustration: Move to the right.]
[Illustration: Move up.]
[Illustration: Move down.]
[Illustration: Indent one em.]
[Illustration: Make lines parallel.]
[Illustration: Make letter align.]
[Illustration: Turn over element that is upside down.]
[Illustration: Transpose order of words, letters, or figures.]
_Kind of Type_
[Illustration: Change to Roman type.]
[Illustration: Change to Italic type.]
[Illustration: Change to capital letter.]
[Illustration: Change to small capital letter.]
[Illustration: Change to lower case, or small, letters.]
[Illustration: Change to black, or bold face type.]
[Illustration: Substitute type from regular font for that of wrong
font.]
[Illustration: Substitute perfect for imperfect type.]
_Punctuation_
[Illustration: Insert period.]
[Illustration: Insert comma.]
[Illustration: Insert semi-colon.]
[Illustration: Insert colon.]
[Illustration: Insert apostrophe.]
[Illustration: Insert double quotation marks.]
[Illustration: Insert single quotation marks.]
[Illustration: Put in one-em dash.]
[Illustration: Put in two-em dash.]
[Illustration: Put in hyphen.]
[Illustration: Put in question mark.]
[Illustration: Put in exclamation point.]
_Insertion and Omission_
[Illustration: Put in element indicated in margin at place shown by
caret.]
[Illustration: Take out element indicated.]
[Illustration: Don’t make change indicated; let it stand as it is.]
[Illustration: A line of dots is placed under the element that is to
remain as it is.]
_Uncertainty_
[Illustration: Look this up to see whether or not it is correct.]
[Illustration: See what has been omitted in proof by comparing with
the copy.]
_Abbreviation_
[Illustration: Substitute full form for abbreviation.]
[Illustration: Substitute numerical figures.]
The signs used to indicate changes should always be placed in the
margin of the proof-sheets, and only those marks that show what
elements are to be changed should be put in or between the lines of
the proof-sheets. The marks in the printed lines and the signs in the
margin are often joined by a line to show the connection between them.
If this is not done, the signs for the corrections in each line are
arranged in the margin in the order in which the marks indicating the
elements to be changed appear in the printed line, each sign being set
off by a line slanting from right to left. How proof is corrected is
shown in the following example:
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
SUGGESTIONS
1. Read proof word by word.
2. Cover with a card all lines following the one being read.
3. Always compare with copy all names, figures, and unusual terms.
4. Put all correction signs in the margin of proof.
5. Indicate clearly the element to be changed.
6. Make changes and corrections so that they cannot be misunderstood.
7. Watch for errors in punctuation.
8. Be on the lookout for omission of quotation marks.
9. Put in one or more words to fill space created by taking out other
words.
10. Take out one or more words to make room for those inserted.
11. Make only such changes as are absolutely necessary.
12. Read proof accurately and rapidly.