Nonfiction Author: You Need a Proofreading Checklist for Your Book. Use This One.
A while ago, I gave my best tips for proofreading books and shared a photo of proofreading symbols (AKA proofreaders’ marks).
Since then, I’ve seen a number of hilarious and unfortunate goofs in books.
Here are a few (click the arrows to scroll through, will ya?). . . .
A proofreading checklist might have helped, don’t you think?
No one is perfect, and mistakes happen. Somehow, even high-profile books sometimes contain mistakes (though those are checked and checked again and again before publishing). If you’re not willing to accept that mistakes occasionally happen and move on, then you have unfair standards.
But a lot of mistakes? Really obvious ones? Mistakes in the table of contents? Mistakes resulting from a rushed and solo effort to get a book (self-)published?
If you’re an author—especially if you’re an indie author—you’re not doing yourself any favors if you’re not systematically proofreading your book before publishing it.
Take proofreading for granted and you’ll look amateurish. People will question your credibility and the value of your book. Your errors will distract your readers. You don’t need that.
Are you following a system? Do you know what you’re actually looking for when you’re proofreading?
Sure, you can have beta readers help you. You can proofread with a friend.
But to proofread effectively, it helps to have a proofreading checklist.
With that in mind, . . .
I created a free proofreading checklist with the nonfiction author in mind and I want you to have it.
Know what to look for when it comes to formatting, layout, and design; spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar; spacing, e-book files, and more.
Follow a system that works.
Congrats on finishing up your book!