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Proofreaders read copy and correct or mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors.

JOB DUTIES 

Proofreaders may:

Compare printed proofs (a proof is an impression of composed type used for checking errors and making changes) with original copies to detect errors in spelling, sentence construction, continuity, and punctuation

Verify that dates, numbers, and addresses are the same on the proof as on the copy

Check for broken letters and omitted lines

Mark all errors on proofs, using standard proofreader's symbols

Return the marked proof for correction

Check the corrected proof against the original copy

Type corrections to copy displayed on a computer terminal

Proofreaders may check the proof against the original copy by placing the two side-by-side on a reading board. However, in many modern establishments, Proofreaders sit at an electronic video display terminal and type in corrections as they see mistakes on the screen before them.

The materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Proofreaders may specialize in the type of material they proof:

209.387-030 PROOFREADERS read copy and correct or mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors.

209.367-014 BRAILLE PROOFREADERS compare the proof copy of Braille transcriptions with the original script by simultaneously sliding their fingers over raised Braille characters and noting differences.

247.667-010 PRODUCTION PROOFREADERS compare proofs of store advertisements with the original copies to detect errors.

209.667-010 COPY HOLDERS read original copy aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusually difficult words and proper names, while the Proofreader reads and marks corrections on the proof.

Proofreaders may check the proof against the original copy by placing the two side-by-side on a reading board. However, in many modern establishments, Proofreaders sit at an electronic video display terminal and type in corrections as they see mistakes on the screen before them.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Proofreaders generally work alone under the direction of a supervisor. They may have contact with editors, typists, and compositors.

Some Proofreaders work in comfortable offices of editorial departments. Proofreaders in printing production establishments usually work in an area near the composing room, which may be noisy and have unpleasant chemical odors. Proofreaders may be subject to eyestrain because of excessive reading of detailed work.

Proofreaders generally work from 35 and 37.5 hours per week. They may work one of three shifts and rotate weekend and holiday work. Some Proofreaders may be required to work overtime to meet publishers' deadlines.

Proofreaders may belong to unions or other organizations such as The Printing, Publishing, and Media Workers Sector of The Communications Workers of America. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities of a routine, organized nature

• Working alone

You Should Be Able To:

• Notice detail and observe differences in copy

• Concentrate for long periods

• Interpret and follow directions

• Work quickly, efficiently, and accurately

• Read and comprehend a wide range of material

• Use language correctly

• Evaluate information against measurable or judgmental standards

• Write neatly and clearly

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If there are about 500 words per page and this certain document is 5 pages long, how many words are present in this document?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Something moved in the hallway, and he jerked to his right. In the darkness he saw Black Eyes watching. He stepped forward to the door and glared at Mitch.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to re-write portions of a draft that you are proofreading to make them correct.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to change a paragraph so it keeps the same meaning but is grammatically correct.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma or equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1300 ENGLISH , 2100 LITERATURE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

You may explore this occupation by working as an editor or Proofreader on a high school newspaper, magazine, or yearbook or doing this work as a volunteer for non-profit organization publications. It may be possible to work part-time as a free-lance Proofreader.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Proofreader employer

internships

volunteer work with a Proofreader employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as a Proofreader, apply directly to the personnel offices of newspapers, printing houses, and book and magazine publishers. Some Proofreaders begin a formal training program with local newspaper publishing companies. For assistance in finding a job, contact a local office of Michigan Works!, or consult newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter your electronic resume on the on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Proofreaders' earnings usually depend on the type, size, and location of their employer.

Nationally, median earnings of proofreaders were $13.97 per hour in 1998. In large unionized city newspapers, Proofreaders, depending on their experience, could earn from $5.15 to $15.13 per hour in late 1998. After one year's experience, copy editors working for large Detroit area daily newspapers earned $10.43 per hour in early 1999.

According to a Michigan survey, proofreaders received an average of $10.75 per hour in 1999. The hourly range for this occupation was $7.00 to $19.70 per hour.

Depending on the employer, most Proofreaders receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by the employers.

Advancement possibilities for Proofreaders are limited, however, those with experience and leadership ability may advance to supervisory positions. Some may advance to editorial positions with additional education and/or training, especially if they are proficient in language skills.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

About 26,100 Proofreaders were employed nationally in 1996. About 7.6% of them were self-employed. Employment of Proofreaders is expected to decline through the year 2006. The industry distribution for proofreaders looked like this:

While the amount of Printed materials available has increased very rapidly, the number of Proofreaders has not kept pace. New, computerized printing and proofing equipment has reduced the need for Proofreaders in many modern plants. Most major newspapers no longer employ any Proofreaders since their tasks are increasingly being done by reporters and copy editors at computer terminals which have software with such features as a grammar checker, a dictionary for checking spelling, and a thesaurus.

There were about 1,150 Proofreaders employed in Michigan. Most Proofreaders worked in or near metropolitan areas and large cities. Research organizations, insurance companies, and accounting firms also employed Proofreaders. A few were self-employed.

Employment of Proofreaders in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 40 annual openings for Proofreaders is expected, with 10 openings due to growth and 30 openings due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons.

Technology may limit the need for Proofreaders in large newspaper and publishing firms. Smaller firms will have a need for Proofreaders. As a whole, the printing and publishing industry will expand because of increased demand for publications such as magazines and catalogs.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Proofreader can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development