Proofreading

[4] Unlike copy editing, the defining procedure of a proofreading service is to work directly with two sets of information at the same time.

Correction-cycle proofs will typically have one descriptive term, such as "bounce", "bump", or "revise" unique to the department or organization and used for clarity to the strict exclusion of any other.

A "thump" or "screamer" made with a finger on the table represents the initial cap, comma, period, or similar obvious attribute being read simultaneously.

"Double reading" is when a single proofreader checks a proof in the traditional manner and then another reader repeats the process.

Proofreaders are expected to be consistently accurate by default because they occupy the last stage of typographic production before publication.

To set expectations before hiring proofreaders, some employers post a notice that the job advertised is not a writing or editing position and will not become one.

Creativity and critical thinking by their very nature conflict with the strict copy-following discipline that commercial and governmental proofreading requires.

In contrast to proofreaders, copy editors focus on a sentence-by-sentence analysis of the text to "clean it up" by improving grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and structure.

They attempt to understand the purpose of the writing and the intended audience; therefore, they ask questions such as where the document will be published and who will read it, and they edit accordingly.

Its scope is limited, as the proofreaders focus only on reading the text to ensure the document is error-free and ready for publication.