METM25 presentation

What does proofreading really mean?

Joy Burrough-Boenisch, Renkum, Netherlands

It is generally agreed that all texts should undergo proofreading, and this term is familiar to all who write or work with texts. Authors and students proofread their own writing, or ask friends, relatives or acquaintances to proofread for them as a favour. Language professionals implicitly or specifically include proofreading in the services they offer – and charge for it. For publishers, proofreading is the final stage before going to press and is entrusted to in-house or freelance specialists.

The computer age has brought about big changes to how proofreading is done and has made proofreading tools universally available. As a result, anyone can now proofread and everyone thinks they know what proofreading means. Moreover, the distinction between proofreading and editing has become blurred. So, if you offer a proofreading service, when promoting yourself and discussing assignments with your clients it’s important to be aware of the different perceptions and expectations concerning proofreading. This presentation will therefore explore traditional and modern interpretations of proofreading.

As all language professionals proofread, the simple question posed in the title of this presentation is relevant to us all. It is intended to get us thinking about what we do when proofreading, why we do it and whether we could be doing it better. This will lead to discussion during the session and to insights useful for honing our skills and enhancing our professional profiles.

This presentation pairs with the interactive session Proofreading: adding the finishing touches, facilitated by Thomas O’Boyle.

About the presenter

British-born Joy Burrough-Boenisch is an authors’ editor for academics and scientists and a founder and honorary member of SENSE (Society of English-language professionals in the Netherlands). She has given workshops for language professionals in various European countries and for the European Commission and is a seasoned conference speaker.