Proofreading Plain and Simple

The book is an easy read for a beginner. It is easy to understand and has lots of information about the subject. Even if you are not planning to do it professionally, the book is very helpful especially if you deal with a lot of documents and letters in your everyday work. It encourages you to be more detail oriented. A very useful skill if you work as a manager, a lawyer, secretary and even more for students. Some parts are redundant and a bit over-extended on the use of proofreading symbols; but still an informative read.

I teach legal writing and research at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Proofreading is one of the important skills that a lawyer needs to master. It is difficult to teach proofreading, however, particularly when we are also teaching large-scale format of legal memoranda and other documents, fundamental legal research skills, and effective communication of legal analysis. I wouldn't assign this book to my entire class, but every semester or so there is always a student (or two) who needs to learn the importance of proofreading (and time-management in writing). This book provides 185 pages (plus an index) of materials on proofreading. The book isn't really for those who are seeking careers as professional proofreaders, but it should be helpful to many writers who need to pay more attention to their writing. I'd also recommend a good grammar book and a dictionary as well!

A well-organized and concise reference for those who need to proofread written material. Excellent reminders for those who are experienced in proofreading, pointing out the pitfalls of proofreading one's own work (and even recommending graceful ways to proofread friends' and coworkers' materials). Good review of the basics of editing, appropriate use of proofreader's marks, and many excellent recommendation and reminders about the objectives and goals of proofreading. Should be part of your professional library.