Proofreading Plain and Simple (Plain and Simple Series) (Paperback)

by Debra Hart May (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Proofreading Plain and Simple will give you--whether you're a student, administrative assistant, business manager, entrepreneur, job seeker, editor, or proofreader (of course)--all the techniques and advice necessary to write clear, understandable, and accurate copy. It includes examples of how to make corrections, a chart of common proofreading symbols, skill-building exercises, and advice from the pros on errors most common and most critical to catch. The book also covers the dangers and benefits of writing with your computer.

About the Author
Debra Hart May is a communications consultant, editor, and coach. She is the author of Everyday Letters for Busy People and president of Skill Masters, an Indianapolis-based firm that specializes in providing training solutions to improve business professionals' writing and other communication skills.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564142914
• ISBN-13: 978-1564142917
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #648,790 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not for professionals, November 27, 1999

By A Customer

This book is fine, probably even very good, for those who wish to proof their own day-to-day business correspondence. However, the treatment of proofing symbols is limited, and the sample markings deviate somewhat from accepted professional practice. More of a first intro to some of the very basic things to look for when proofreading. No discussion of the bookmaking process or what editors expect of a professional proofreader.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thoughts from a Law Professor, April 27, 2004

By	Mark E. Wojcik (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

I teach legal writing and research at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Proofreading is one of the important skills that a lawyer needs to master. It is difficult to teach proofreading, however, particularly when we are also teaching large-scale format of legal memoranda and other documents, fundamental legal research skills, and effective communication of legal analysis.

I wouldn't assign this book to my entire class, but every semester or so there is always a student (or two) who needs to learn the importance of proofreading (and time-management in writing). This book provides 185 pages (plus an index) of materials on proofreading. The book isn't really for those who are seeking careers as professional proofreaders, but it should be helpful to many writers who need to pay more attention to their writing.

I'd also recommend a good grammar book and a dictionary as well!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent concise guide to proofreading., June 20, 1998

By	Wayne Wildman ([e-mail] (Warrensburg, Missouri) - See all my reviews

A well-organized and concise reference for those who need to proofread written material. Excellent reminders for those who are experienced in proofreading, pointing out the pitfalls of proofreading one's own work (and even recommending graceful ways to proofread friends' and coworkers' materials). Good review of the basics of editing, appropriate use of proofreader's marks, and many excellent recommendation and reminders about the objectives and goals of proofreading. Should be part of your professional library.