What Do Proofreaders and Copy Markers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Proofreaders and Copy Markers read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

Salary
$44670
Becoming One
Hard
Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth
Low

Personality
Interest Match



Job Description

Job Description

Proofreaders and Copy Markers read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Includes proofreaders of Braille. They also mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers’ marks.

Other tasks include:

  • Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
  • Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
  • Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
  • Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
  • Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
  • Typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer’s ruler or layout software.

We asked Proofreaders and Copy Markers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

72%

How meaningful is this job

43%


72% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 43% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Proofreaders and Copy Markers mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers’ marks. They typeset and measure dimensions, spacing, and positioning of page elements, such as copy and illustrations, to verify conformance to specifications, using printer’s ruler or layout software.

A typical day for a Proofreader and Copy Marker will also include:

  • Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
  • Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.
  • Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
  • Write original content such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.
  • Consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions.

We asked some Proofreaders and Copy Markers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 82% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 75% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 77% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 11% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 1% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 73% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Proofreaders and Copy Markers also consult with authors and editors regarding manuscript changes and suggestions. They may also write original content such as headlines, cutlines, captions, and cover copy.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Proofreaders and Copy Markers Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition. They might also Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.

In addition, they Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Read proof sheets aloud, calling out punctuation marks and spelling unusual words and proper names.

To some Proofreaders and Copy Markers, it is also their responsibility to Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Proofreader and Copy Marker, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Proofreaders and Copy Markers work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
79%


Once a week
19%


Do Proofreaders and Copy Markers work outdoors?

Never
87%


Once a month
8%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Organizers and The Artists

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Proofreaders and Copy Markers

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Related to Proofreaders and Copy Markers Job Description

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Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439081.htm


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