Power Up Your Proofreading
January 3, 2012

It's happened to both of us: We write something of which we're really proud. Our document will persuade others to hire us, promote us, hear our grief, buy our products and services. It will also show the entire world that...

...we can't spell?

I, for one, have had those moments when, much too late, I saw my glaring error(s), slapped my forehead and yelled, "DOH!"

Here are a few strategies for making sure sneaky little fiends don't slide in to sabotage your writing's perceived impact and professionalism:

1. Never proof your work right after you've written it. Put it down, walk away from it and return to it later.

2. Try proofreading backwards. It forces your mind to catch details it would otherwise glide over.

3. Read for pleasure more often: believe it or not, it increases your proofreading skills.

4. Always have grammar, spelling and proofreading references within arm's reach.

5. Have one or two other people proof your writing before you send it. They'll catch stuff you don't because you're simply too close to your own work.

6. If you're proofing for others, make sure they tell you exactly what they expect of you (e.g., catch spelling and punctuation mistakes only).

7. Read your work out loud before you send it. Your ears double your likelihood of catching written snafus.

8. Be particularly careful with facts and figures. Verify your facts and do any math two or three times.

9. Proofread when you are mentally your sharpest. Studies show that the worst times are 11am-noon and 2:30pm-3:30pm. Also keep a checklist of mistakes you miss regularly.

10. If in doubt, ask The Eloquent Arrow!

Eagle-eye proofreading is crucial. If caught, even something as petty as a misspelled word or inaccurate number can wreck a deal, resume or proposition. Take proofreading seriously!