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PROOFREADING
Proofreading is the final check in the editing process and usually occurs at layout stage (e.g. proof stage for print or beta stage for website content). The proofreader doesn't mess with the edit but ensures that the copy matches the original edited manuscript, draft document or files exactly. This word-for-word check requires an eagle-eyed approach.
While correcting typo errors, the following are typically also checked for consistency: punctuation, capital versus lower case use, spelling, numbers, dates, hyphenation (or endash and emdash use), sequencing, cross-references and linkages or hyperlinks (including their functionality in live formats).
It is not worth skipping this important final phase since you could end up with an uncomfortable clanger or two in copy which was otherwise well written but incorrectly transcribed. Proofreading insures you against potential reputational embarrassment and the service comes at a paltry fee compared to editing. Sometimes a thorough proofreading might even save a poorly copy-edited piece of writing.
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