Proofreading guide for Canadian authors entering the self-publishing world!
Most authors have a love-hate relationship with editing, including proofreading, and that’s why we created this effective proofreading strategy for Canadian authors just entering the self-publishing world.
While typing ‘the end’ of your book feels like the end, it’s really just the beginning of the next stage of the journey. It feels amazing at the time, but typing those final words is really just the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next chapter.
The next step in the process is editing, including self-editing, beta reading, and proofreading. In our opinion and personal experience, there’s no substitute for professional editing, such as manuscript evaluations, developmental editing, copyediting, and ultimately proofreading, but as the writer and author, proofreading and self-editing before seeking out professional editing is a step that you can’t afford to skip.
A well-proofed and edited manuscript can ultimately mean the difference not only between a good review and a bad review but also between converting a first-time reader into a loyal and faithful reader of your book and future books for many years to come.
Let’s take a closer look at how to proofread your manuscript or book like a professional!
If you’re a new Canadian author still considering where to self-publish your book, read The Best Self-Publishing Platforms for Canadian Authors! We cover everything there is to know about the most popular self-publishing platforms in Canada, including Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark Publishing, Apple Books, and many more.
5 Steps to Creating An Effective Proofreading Strategy
Step 1 – Step Away and Take A Break
Before going straight from writing to editing and proofreading, step back, take a break, and give yourself some distance from your manuscript. This could mean stepping away for a few days or even a few weeks. This will allow you to approach your manuscript or book with rested, and more importantly, fresh eyes.
Step 2 – Switch Up the Format
Reading your manuscript on your laptop or computer screen is great, but have you tried printing it and reading it, or perhaps simply reading aloud? Even switching the font and font size can make it easier to spot pesky spelling and typing errors. While reading aloud is a great way to identify dialogue that works in text, it sounds clunky when read aloud.
Step 3 – Do One Thing At A Time
You’ll never be able to fully concentrate if you’re trying to correct everything in one pass. It’s going to take multiple passes for an effective proofreading strategy. Try focusing on doing one thing at a time per pass. Start by focusing on grammar, then move on to correcting punctuation, and finally look at any dialogue or formatting.
Step 4 – Reading Aloud Pays Dividends
We spoke about reading aloud as an effective way to pick up clunky dialogue, but it also forces you to slow down, step away from the computer, and hear your words for the first time. No one loves to read their own manuscript or book, but find somewhere quiet, have the manuscript open, or bring your favorite red pen to make notes if you printed your book.
Step 5 – Phone A Friend | Alpha Reader
Unlike a beta reading, which is typically done by people who aren’t friends or family, alpha readers are your close friends and family members. While their feedback isn’t the most unbiased, it can still be valuable, nonetheless.
Effective Proofreading Strategy for Self-Published Authors | Conclusion
Even the most experienced writers need a little help when it comes to proofreading their work. If you need assistance with professional proofreading or beta reading, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Indie Publishing Group.
If you are writing a book and need any assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, including proofreading, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services.
For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing platform for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below, and we’ll do our best to answer them or point you in the right direction.
