For the vast majority of people, editing and proofreading, especially when it is your own work, is not fun. Actually, it’s a pain in the you-know-what. But that doesn’t mean that good proofreading isn’t a crucial part of any marketing effort, because it is.

I do my best to get others involved in the process and to make sure I actually have a process. Errors are easy to miss, especially if you’re proofreading your own work, and they are your errors.

Here are some quick tips on proofing your work and the work of others:

• Read the copy aloud.
• Print it out (and read it again). (If you have a printer, still. Ha.)
• Double-check phone numbers, dates, fax numbers, e-mail and mailing addresses and numbers. Call the numbers, check the e-mails and web addresses, make sure every number and address is perfect. One bad number can negate the entire effort.
• Try to give the copy 24 hours of “breathing room” so you can set it aside and re-visit it at least one day later.
• If you can, ask instead of assuming.
• Don’t rely solely on spelling tools and checking programs.
• Keep and refer to handy reference books, including a dictionary, thesaurus and style guide like the Associated Press (AP) guide.

Let’s talk about copywriting and your organization: Contact Allison today for a no-obligation phone or email consultation.