PROOF-READING, the process of read ing the printed proof of matter to be printed, and marking errors, corrections, etc., on the margin. Proof-readers require to be expert in typography, as well as possessed of considerable education and general knowledge. An estab lished set of signs is used. The specimen of a proof shown on this page exhibits most of these signs.
The immediate object of proof-reading or correcting is to mark every error and over sight of the compositor, with a view to make the printed sheet a perfect copy of the author's manuscript. This is done on the presumption that the manuscript is correct, which is seldom the case; and, therefore, the duty of a good reader extends to seeing that there are no inconsistencies in orthography, punctuation, ab breviations, etc., and in many cases to the veri fication of quotations, dates and proper names. Where extensive alterations, omissions or addi tions are likely to be made by writer or editor, it is more convenient to take the proofs on long slips called galley proofs, before division into pages. The making of new paragraphs, or the suppression of those in type and needless ad dition or omission of words that involve reset ting many lines, should be avoided as causing trouble and expense.
The duty of securing consistency in spelling and punctuation is especially important in the case of works on which several writers are em ployed, such as newspapers and periodicals. The proof-reader has also to observe the num bering of the pages; arrangement of chapters, paragraphs and notes, running titles, etc. It is part of his business to observe the mechani cal defects of the work—defective types, turned letters, inequalities of spacing between words, sentences and lines, crooked lines, and to secure symmetry in verses, tables, mathematical operations and such like. In almost all cases two proofs are taken, and in difficult works, such as those in foreign languages, tables, etc.,
even more. Lastly follows the revision, in which little more is done than seeing that the com positor has made all the corrections marked on the last proof. It is usual for the writer or author to reserve the correction of the second proof for himself.. The work of a proof reader is more difficult than the uninitiated would be lieve. It requires extensive and varied knowl edge, accurate acquaintance with the art of typography and, above all, a peculiar sharpness of eye, which, without losing the sense and con nection of the whole takes in at the same time each separate word and letter. The proof reader usually is assisted by a second person, called the copy-holder, who reads aloud from the original copy, spelling out names,
in foreign languages and other words offering special difficulties. Proof-reading now is usu ally done by persons devoting themselves ex clusively to this work. In earlier times it was the custom of publishers to employ scholars and writers and authors were in the habit of send ing the proofs of their works to friends for the purpose of reading them. In the case of scientific books this custom is still frequently followed. (See PRINTING). Con sult Appleton, D., and Company, 'Of the Making of a Book> (New York 1904) ; Booth, W. S., 'Notes for the Guidance of Authors> (New York 1900) ; Crapelet, G. A., 'Etudes Pratiques et Litteraires sur la Typographie' (Paris 1837) ; De Vinne, T. L,