Last But Not Least: A Guide to Proofreading Text

by Leslie Vermeer PhD

Overview

Systematic, practical, complete — an essential resource for anyone who works with words

Proofreaders are like goalkeepers: the last line of defence against mistakes that slip past their hard-working teammates. While proofreading is obviously not the only important job in the writing process, it is a necessary one — last, but definitely not least.

The best proofreaders know that efficient and precise proofreading requires more than grammatical and mechanical expertise. It requires focus, sensitivity, self-awareness, almost saintly patience, and — importantly — a thorough understanding of the core responsibilities and processes of the proofreader. To be a great proofreader, you need to learn to think like one.

Last But Not Least takes you beyond the basics of punctuation and grammar and into the nuts and bolts of how proofreaders think and work. This combination reference and workbook is a go-to guide for novice proofreaders and seasoned professionals alike. Includes grammar and punctuation primers, as well as 25 exercises to sharpen your skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781550597905
Publisher:	Brush Education
Publication date:	12/11/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	176
File size:	52 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Writer, editor, and professor Leslie Vermeer has worked in book publishing for more than twenty years, having edited or contributed to more than two hundred books to date. Leslie teaches at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, where her focus includes editing, grammar, and print culture studies.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. How to Proofread: The Basics
2. Spelling
3. Punctuation and Mechanics
4. Grammar
5. Proofreading to Make Sense
6. Proofreading Visual Communication
7. Closing the Loop
8. Putting Your Skills to the Test
Answer Keys
Appendix 1: Punctuation Primer
Appendix 2: Grammar Primer
Appendix 3: Some Troublesome Words and Phrases
Appendix 4: Commonly Confused Words
Appendix 5: Selected Resources
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Annette Wierstra

I cannot wait to use Last But Not Least with my team. Even as someone whose business is writing, editing, and proofreading, I was having “Aha!” moments that will polish my skills. If you work with words, this book deserves a prime location on your bookshelf.

Frances Peck

Last But Not Least is an indispensable introduction to proofreading for the 21st-century communicator. Sensibly organized and lucidly worded, the book is loaded with tips, exercises, and sage advice about what proofreaders must watch for and — equally important — leave alone.

From the Publisher

With the same clear voice and wit she brings to her classroom and book edits, Leslie has created an invaluable text and reference for not only proofreaders but writers and editors, too.