When one is in a creative state, rarely can one also be in a
detail state. Thus, mistakes in correct grammar, spelling and
continuity of all details, may happen. Also, proofreading our
own work can be very difficult, for all of us. This is because
the same mental processes that went into composition are the ones
we use to correct our work. Hence, so many websites are launched
every year, but so many of them fail to work perfectly, as these
sites have not been tested with a Proofreader's fresh eyes and
impartial knowledge of English. Proofreading and Copyediting process
involves reading the content for English grammar, spelling, story,
flow and understandability. It also involves checking consistency
in visual design, testing links, and ensuring accurate reading.
Let us now discuss about some points for Proofreading and Editing
Websites and Online Documents.
Tips for Editing Websites and Online Documents:
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Create consistent text formatting:
Check whether the overall "look" of text on a page presents
any obvious problems with various common fonts and type sizes.
At this stage of the process, basic HTML skills are very valuable
to the online editor in order to go into the HTML document and
make minor changes directly, if required.
-
Check that colors are applied consistently throughout
the work:
Watch out for arbitrary shifts in color. If link colors are
specified in your HTML document, check that these colors are applied
consistently throughout the work.
-
See whether links are working and going to the correct
destinations:
Manually check all or most links to ensure that all links lead
where they promise.
-
Ensure that text is readable:
Avoid "overabbreviation". Use only standard, easily read symbols
etc.
-
Check that identifying information is present and consistent
-
Correct errors in grammar and spelling:
Check for Subject-verb agreement, Sentence fragments, Run-on
sentences and other obvious grammatical errors. In case of checking
spelling errors, read what is actually on the page, not what you
think is there.
-
Check for punctuation:
Punctuation error is the most common mistake people tend to
make. There are various books available on correct punctuation.
If you are not confident in case of punctuation, get a book for
your guidance.
-
Make sure names are spelled correctly:
The single most important mistake is the misspelling of names.
Going to whatever length needed to see that names and titles are
correct is important.
-
Look at the content from the reader's point of view:
Reading the story completely through the first time, without
marking or changing anything. That's the way the reader is going
to read the story, and that's the way the copy editor should read
it, too.
-
Look for answers:
When editing a story for the first time, looking for answers
to the following questions is important:- Is this a complete story?
Does it consist of important facts? Does it give all of the necessary
information to the reader? Are the quotes interesting? Any information
or necessary quotations are missing? Does the writer omit information
on the assumption that the reader already knows it? Does the story
read smoothly? Does the information flow from one paragraph to
the next? Do the quotes add to and support the previous information?
Are the facts and quotes in descending order of importance?
-
Make sure the text is optimized for search engine rankings:
Check whether META tags (for description and keywords), Title
tag and Image Alt tag have been used appropriately for the website
content. Your text should also contain the main and related keywords/
phrases for your site. This will make the audience find your site
on the Internet.
The basic processes are much the same for online documents and
print media - checking for correctness (spelling, grammar, and
punctuation), consistency of capitalization and other mechanics,
accuracy of information, and completeness. Creating consistent
text formatting, checking consistency in visual design, testing
for proper working of website links, knowledge of HTML and its
application (when required) are the additional responsibilities
for an online editor.
About the Author:
Rumki Sen is the founder of Perfect Editing Solutions http://www.perfectediting.com
, a professional firm providing a Proofreading and Copyediting
service to make error-free websites and documents. She corrects
and edits English grammar, punctuation, spelling, links and a
lot more for mainly websites, letters, applications, CVs / resumes,
advertisements, manuals, brochures, e-newsletters, articles and
e-mail messages. Her company also offers resume-writing services.
Whether you're a student, webmaster, or business owner, your written
work will be improved immediately after you get her service. Contact
Rumki Sen at rumki@perfectediting.com
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