Proofreading Marks

The following list shows some of the most common proofreading marks and symbols used
by proofreaders and editors – and explains their meaning (note that some proofreaders will use
different symbols than those shown here; if you see a symbol on a document and you’re not sure
what it means, ask your proofreader).

Insert something; the text to be inserted will likely be provided in the margin

Delete

Close up space

Delete and close up

Add space

Transpose

Spell out

Make uppercase

Make lowercase

Let stand

Make equal space

Insert a comma

Insert period

Insert semicolon
Insert colon

Insert hyphen

Insert en dash

Insert em dash

Insert apostrophe

Insert question mark

Insert exclamation mark

Insert parentheses

Insert brackets

Insert quotation marks

Set as bold

Set as italics

Wrong font

Move left

Move right
 Move up

Move down

Center

Begin paragraph

Ten Rules of Proofreading

1. Never proofread your own copy.

2. Read everything in the copy straight through from the beginning to end.

3. Read copy backward to catch spelling errors.

4. Read pages out of order.

5. Have proofreaders initial the copy they check.

6. Have someone read numbers while you check hardcopy.

7. Take short breaks so you can concentrate more clearly.

8. List errors you spot over a month.

9. Alter your routine.

10. Make your marks legible and understandable.