Proofreaders are responsible for finding errors and consistencies and then deciding whether or not to correct them. This will depend on the time/budget allocated for a publication. Proofreaders are the last to read a publication before it goes to print; making too many corrections at this stage will delay the project and increase the cost.

Proofreaders must consider whether a correction is essential, desirable or luxurious. 

Essential corrections must always be made! Examples are:

• a glaring fault in the typography, design or layout of the material
• a typographical error
• a factual error

Desirable corrections are made depending on the number of essential corrections and if time/budget allows. Examples are:

• a bad line break
• a glaring inconsistency in editorial style
• poor writing that causes confusion or misinterpretation of the text

Luxurious corrections should be avoided at the proofreading stage. Examples are:

• less than elegant layout
• a hidden inconsistency in editorial style
• infelicitous prose

Always check with the publisher what level of proofreading they require!

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