Proofreading Your Own Work

Before you share your writing with anyone, whether it be an editor, a business associate, a client or a reader, you need to make sure it’s tight, clean and error-free. That’s why it’s critical for all writers to learn how to proofread their own work.

Detecting the flaws and mistakes in your writing is difficult because you’ve grown so familiar with it. This class will teach you the tips and tricks you need to come at it with fresh eyes. Heather Saunders, an experienced writer, editor and proofreader, will provide hands-on advice on how to go about the proofing process as well as the common errors to look out for.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

• Approach the text in new ways by removing distractions, reading it aloud, changing the appearance of the document, and taking a break when needed.
• Read your work from the perspective of your intended audience.
• Fact-check your writing.
• Figure out if the piece accomplishes its purpose.
• Identify habitual errors, such as weak words, excessive use of adjectives and adverbs, and punctuation issues.

• Class Introduction
• Proofreading Quick Tips
• Take a Little More Time: Tighten Up Sentences
• Take a Little More Time: Common Errors
• Take a Little More Time: Identify Your Personal "Misses"
• Take a Little More Time: Fact-check Everything Again
• Deeper Review: Read it as the Intended Audience
• Deeper Review: Evaluate if Piece Achieves Its Goal