Last updated on Apr 8, 2024

How do you select the right proofreading symbol?

Proofreading is the process of checking and correcting errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting in a written document. Proofreading symbols are standardized marks or codes that indicate the changes or corrections needed in a text. They are used by proofreaders, editors, writers, and designers to communicate and apply the revisions efficiently and consistently. But how do you select the right proofreading symbol for each error or change? Here are some tips and guidelines to help you master the art of proofreading symbols.

1 Know the basic symbols

When selecting the right proofreading symbol, it’s important to understand the basic symbols and their meanings. Different languages, styles, and formats may have different symbols, but some common ones are the caret (^) for inserting something, a horizontal line with a loop (Ʌ) for deleting something, a slash (/) for transposing or swapping two elements, a circle (O) to close up a space or join two words, a vertical line (|) to insert a space or separate two words, a series of dots (...) to indicate an omission or a break, a pound sign (#) to insert a new paragraph, and a lowercase letter (stet) to cancel a previous correction or mark. For more comprehensive information on proofreading symbols, you can look online or in style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook.

Add your perspective

Rebeca Parada

✒️ Correctora ⋇ Editora ⋇ Creadora de contenidos 📚 Asesora pedagógica (de material didáctico) 𐌸 Lingüista
Report contribution
El fin de los signos de corrección es facilitar la comprensión e interpretación del proceso de corrección de un texto. Es un acto complejo donde intervienen diferentes profesionales: el autor, que crea el texto; el editor, que coordina la organización de la obra; el corrector, que corrige el texto y revisa que se ajuste a la norma; el maquetador, que le da formato; o los impresores y encuadernadores, que hacen posible el libro como ente físico. La corrección es un proceso fundamental y, para que todo funcione, es imprescindible contar con un código común sencillo y comprensible para todos, el sistema de signos de corrección, que en España viene establecido por la norma UNE 54051:2016.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

2 Use the symbols consistently

The second step to selecting the right proofreading symbol is to use the symbols consistently throughout the document. This means that you should follow the same rules and conventions for each type of error or change, and avoid using different symbols for the same purpose. For example, if you use a slash (/) to transpose two letters in a word, you should not use a caret (^) to transpose two words in a sentence. Using the symbols consistently will help you avoid confusion and ambiguity, and make your corrections clear and easy to follow.

Add your perspective

Rebeca Parada

✒️ Correctora ⋇ Editora ⋇ Creadora de contenidos 📚 Asesora pedagógica (de material didáctico) 𐌸 Lingüista
Report contribution
Cuando se corrige un texto, ya sea en pantalla o en papel, es importante seguir la norma establecida en cuanto a los símbolos de corrección, pues es común y conocida para todos. Su principal objetivo es facilitar la comunicación entre todas las personas que participan en la cadena editorial. Otra opción es fijar entre los distintos integrantes un código común, que sea fácilmente comprensible, o, si se diera el caso, como sucede con las labores de corrección externa, indicar en una memoria cuáles son los símbolos que se han utilizado a la hora de corregir el texto para facilitar la comunicación entre los distintos participantes de la edición del libro y así hacer más comprensible el trabajo realizado.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful
Boluwatife S.

The Eagle-eyed Book Surgeon 🔹Book-Writing Assistant 🔹 Book Editor 🔹 Coach🔹I help busy execs become authors of "edutaining" self-help books without lifting a finger and ensure your drafts are spicy and error-free.
Report contribution
Consistency and clarity in using symbols ensure effective communication between the proofreader and the editor. Each symbol corresponds to a specific type of error, such as misspellings (sp), punctuation (p), or capitalization (⇑). Select symbols that accurately represent the needed correction. Giving clear explanations alongside symbols aids in conveying corrections effectively. This systematic approach streamlines the proofreading process, facilitating accurate and efficient error identification and correction.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Mark the symbols clearly

The third step to selecting the right proofreading symbol is to mark the symbols clearly on the document. This means that you should use a pen or a pencil that contrasts with the text color, and make sure that your symbols are legible and visible. You should also place the symbols in the appropriate location, either above, below, or in the margin of the text, depending on the type of correction. For example, if you want to insert something, you should place a caret (^) where you want the insertion, and write the inserted text above the line. If you want to delete something, you should place a horizontal line with a loop (Ʌ) below the text to be deleted. Marking the symbols clearly will help you avoid errors and omissions, and make your corrections easy to apply.

Add your perspective

4 Check the symbols carefully

The fourth step to selecting the right proofreading symbol is to check the symbols carefully before you submit or publish the document. This means that you should review your corrections and make sure that they are accurate and complete. You should also compare your corrections with the original text and the intended meaning, and make sure that they do not introduce new errors or change the tone or style of the document. Checking the symbols carefully will help you ensure the quality and consistency of your proofreading, and avoid mistakes and misunderstandings.

Add your perspective

5 Learn from feedback and practice

The fifth step to selecting the right proofreading symbol is to learn from feedback and practice. This means that you should seek feedback from other proofreaders, editors, writers, or designers, and learn from their suggestions and comments. You should also practice using the symbols regularly and familiarize yourself with different types of documents, languages, styles, and formats. Learning from feedback and practice will help you improve your skills and confidence, and select the right proofreading symbol for any situation.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Rebeca Parada

✒️ Correctora ⋇ Editora ⋇ Creadora de contenidos 📚 Asesora pedagógica (de material didáctico) 𐌸 Lingüista
(edited)
Report contribution
A la hora de corregir un texto hay que tener en cuenta algunos detalles como los siguientes: ① Los símbolos de los elementos químicos o de las unidades de medida no se deben confundir con las abreviaturas. Además, son representaciones gráficas normalizadas internacionalmente. ② Nunca llevan punto (1 kg) y son invariables en cuanto al número (25 km). ③ Los símbolos deben escribirse pospuestos a la cifra correspondiente y separados de ella por un espacio (30 m, 20 %). ④ La letra o voladita (º) es diferente al símbolo de grado Celsius, que es un pequeño círculo (°): 27 °C. ⑤ Además, el símbolo es °C, que consiste en un pequeño círculo seguido sin espacio de la letra C. Solo se deja un espacio entre la cifra y el símbolo: 23 °C.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

How do you select the right proofreading symbol?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know the basic symbols

2 Use the symbols consistently

3 Mark the symbols clearly

4 Check the symbols carefully

5 Learn from feedback and practice

6 Here’s what else to consider

Proofreading

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Proofreading

More relevant reading