Job Responsibilities
I scrutinize print, radio and television copy word by word, from concept
through numerous revisions, as produced by an advertising agency. In
one week I may read nearly 254 pages, the size of a novella. I probably
read more than most people do in a month, often the same copy
repeatedly, and I do this with a magnifier for pinpointing the fine print. I
also created and maintain a styleguide to keep track of the evolving
changes as the collateral is refined.
On a typical day I read and prioritize the jobs as they come, from a list of
headlines to a 62-page product guide filled with charts and statistics. I
check all copy for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and verbiage
according to the agency??s and client??s editorial and legal standards.
These include details such as disclaimers, prices, times, names, dates,
titles, addresses, telephone numbers, e-addresses, URLs, trademarks,
register marks, product names, references, double spaces, hyphenation
and line widows.
I mark up copy decks, layouts and studio mechanicals for revision
updating and make sure those changes are then made correctly in the
new versions. I review color proofs and bluelines to ensure that final
approved copy and logos are in place and match their copy decks before
going to final production.
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Job Requirements
While most employers seem to require a B.A. degree, preferably in
English, Journalism or Communications, a degree is simply not enough
for this type of occupation. You need to read often and read a variety of
publications for industry differences and nomenclature to decide which
type of proofreading you want to do in which industry: medical, biology,
chemistry, geology, law, physics, aerospace, academic, automotive,
nuclear, oil and gas, advertising, aviation, military, publishing, etc.
Career paths differ in the industries (e.g., media vs. technical) but the
ladder rungs upward include proofreader, assistant copy editor, copy
editor, section editor and department editor. There are the junior and
senior titles as well.
Proofreading tests are often poorly administered by company
representatives who don't know which style of editing is to be used, so
your knowing many styles is beneficial and it's important to write down
the style you use on the test.
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Uppers
Getting it right so that consumers understand correctly the message within the
medium and perhaps even have an enjoyable read. Think of the difference a comma
could make in your checkbook accounting.
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Downers
Troubleshooting problems to substantiate revisions and/or corrections.
Some people believe that because they can put fingers to keyboard and
apply electronic spell checks, they can also proofread. Others don??t know
the difference between the Associated Press Stylebook and the Chicago
Manual of Style, the reason for the myriad dictionaries found in
bookstores, the differences between British and American English or that
some words can be spelled two different ways.
I have to be prepared to defend my rationales for correcting copy,
especially legal. Also, electronic spell checks are only as good as their
original programming and often don??t catch contextual nuances. There is
no substitute for a human proofreader who can literally help save a
company from making an expensive mistake.
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Lifestyle
Some advertising agencies offer a 35-hr. work week and that's plenty for
proofreading. Advertising agencies are more creative and flexible in their dress
codes, diversity, decor and work atmosphere. The workday tends to start later,
usually around 9 a.m. Everyone seems to be invited to company social events,
regardless of department.
The tradeoff is having to put up with a lot of last-minute mind-changing and
some sensitive egos; decision making, discipline and planning may not be as
strong as in corporate environments.
Corporate environments however are stricter and military/aerospace near rigid.
These industries also tend to have more overtime, depending on the managerial
style, multitasking and performing two jobs at once (e.g.,proofreading, editing
and some rewriting) seems common, workdays usually start early in the morning and
there seems to be more of a pecking order for attending social events. The upside
is higher pay.
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Compensation
Salary ranges from $38K-$45K. I earn $42K, with a full healthcare plan
that kicked in 30 days after my employment. The plan includes dental and
vision benefits. The vision benefits offer a choice of an eyeglasses or a
contact lenses exam and prescription once per year, with a 50%
eyeglasses discount if you select contact lenses. Other benefits include a
home delivery pharmacy program, employer-matched funds for IRA
contributions, a pre-tax medical-expenses-reimbursement program and
employee life insurance.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Learn to read, spell, write coherently and evolve with the changing
language of our times. Read often and read a variety of publications for
industry differences and nomenclature. Learn to conceptualize and
express yourself concisely, especially in the advertising field. Keep a
sharp memory for proofreading items you may have seen before. Be
strong in your defense of clear accurate communications. Regularly
update your contacts or eyeglass prescriptions.
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