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

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.

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.

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

Standard 40 hour work week

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.

Is this right for me

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.

Explore other careers