The word “calibration” is often heard. Do you understand what kind of work you do?
It tends to be confused with the word “proofreading,” which has become a hot topic recently because it was featured in a TV drama, but proofreading and proofreading are similar but different.
In any case, it is essential for the publications you have in your hands to come out into the world.
Recently, the original manuscript is often created as digital data, so digital proofreading performed on the data is also used. Still, due to its limitations, the importance of conventional analog proofreading has not been lost.
Here, we will explain the unknown world of proofreading while introducing the case of our company YUIDEA.
1. What is proofreading?
Producing printed materials such as books and catalogs is the work of making a trial print before actually printing and comparing it with the original manuscript.
2. Who does proofreading?
2-1. In-house proofreader
If you are a major large-scale publisher, there is a department dedicated to proofreading. To process a huge amount of galleys and maintain trust, reliable quality control is required, so as many as 60 proofreading professionals are stationed at many places, keeping an eye on the manuscript day and night.
Etsuko Kouno, the main character of the manga “Kouetsu Girl,” which was turned into a drama as “Kousei Girl Kouno Etsuko,” belonged to this pattern. This is not “proofreading” but “editing,” but it seems that both functions often belong to the same department.
2-2. Publisher editor
Editors are often responsible for proofreading help in small businesses.
2-3. Production company representative
If you outsource the printing to a production company, the outsourcer is often in charge. The response varies depending on the production company, such as the editor in charge, the proofreading staff within the production company, or outsourced to an external professional proofreader.
At YUIDEA, our in-house staff directs our work, and we work with reliable and proven professional proofreaders to perform accurate and speedy proofreading.
2-4. Outsourcing to a company specializing in proofreading
Although it is not well known, some companies undertake professional proofreading. It’s a niche field, so there aren’t many of them, but they have long experience and a wealth of achievements, so Who can trust them?
2-5. Request a free professional proofreader
Some people undertake freelance work as proofreading professionals. The number of people required for proofreading varies depending on the publication status, so publishers and production companies that normally handle this in-house sometimes ask these freelance professional proofreaders during the busy season.
3. The difference between “proofreading” and “editing.”
3-1. Comparing the original manuscript and the test print for proofreading
As mentioned above, proofreading is comparing the original manuscript and the proof (galley) and correcting any errors. Therefore, it is necessary to look not only at the characters but also at other aspects such as layout and color.
3-2. Proofreading looks at the manuscript itself
Proofreading is the process of checking and correcting typographical errors, omissions, and grammatical errors. Failure to do so will make it difficult for readers to read, but in some cases, there is a risk that who will send incorrect information if the publisher does not intend that.
4. Concrete flow of proofreading
4-1. Receive the manuscript and make a galley
We receive requests for proofreading from in-house editors and publishers. The important thing here is to check the proofreading policy and rules properly. Looking for errors aimlessly will only take time and reduce accuracy, so there are certain rules for layout and notation of wording for each project. Regarding proofreading rules and where and how to look, it is necessary to confirm with the requester in advance. When proofreading in a team of multiple people, it is necessary to share it among members.
YUIDEA specializes in producing catalogs and regular media, and we have many long-standing clients, each of whom creates a proofreading rulebook. The person in charge is fixed as much as possible, and the leader gives direction and updates with each edition to improve accuracy.
4-2. Proofread by comparing the manuscript and the galley
・galley printing
A galley is a test print for proofreading (the etymology is said to be the English “Galley” (galley ship). *For details, click here → Print term read in masterpieces ). It is also called proofreading paper.
・matching
Comparing the original manuscript with the galley (proofreading paper) is called “matching.”
・Deficit
If the proofreading makes an error, write the corrections directly on the proofreading sheet. At this time, the theory is to always make corrections with a red pen so that it is easy to understand. Also, unique symbols are used to make it easier to understand.
・Study reading
The work of reading only the galley without matching it with the manuscript is called Yomi. Look at the page alone and check for any inconsistencies or typographical errors. What I can say is that it is a process close to proofreading.
・Tilt calibration
tilt calibration
The manuscript and the galley are superimposed and flipped over quickly to compare the differences. It is becoming more common to print digital data such as PDF, but it is important to match the size of the manuscript and the output proof paper. The purpose is to discover errors other than the parts corrected in red, especially at the stage after rewriting. Even if you compare them side by side, you will often find mistakes in places you didn’t notice. Comparing the two and correcting the differences is the true value of proofreading.
4-3. First proof → re-proof → three proofs
Calibration is an unforgivable task. To improve the accuracy, the process is often repeated many times. The process of first comparing the original manuscript and the galley is called first proofreading. In the subsequent re-schooling, we compare the galley (re-schooling paper), which was corrected based on the deficits entered in the first proofing, with the first proofing to check whether the corrections have been properly reflected. In addition, the common step is to do three proofs to check that the corrections made in the second proofing have been reflected. The number of revisions may be less than this, or to ensure perfection, who may repeat it from three to four schools, and so on.
5. 3 ways to deal with errors found after printing and publication
No matter how carefully proofreading is done, human beings can still make mistakes. In that case, you should respond quickly and sincerely by the following methods.
5-1. Enclose an errata sheet
If the printed material is in the pre-distribution stage before it reaches the reader, we may enclose an errata sheet that lists the incorrect parts and the correct notation.
5-2. Post correct/incorrect information on the website, etc.
If the printed matter has already been distributed, there is a method of posting correct/incorrect information as an “apology” if you have your website. However, it is necessary to assume that many people do not have access to the Internet or are unaware of the information.
5-3. Reprint
If an incorrect amount or a fatal error involves human life, it may be necessary to reprint the correct one. When the number of copies is large, there will be a large loss, so I would like to avoid it if possible.
6. Summary
How was it? Proofreading is very important for the credibility of the publisher of the printed matter and the reader’s peace of mind. Especially now that digitalization has progressed and each process has been simplified, I feel that the checking system is neglected, and mistakes tend to be overlooked.
Even if the world changes, YUIDEA believes that the essence of printed matter, which is to convey someone’s thoughts to someone else, has not changed, and we strive every day to be able to proofread accurately.
I hope that you have gained a better understanding of proofreading by reading this.
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