Manual ISO 5776 Proofreading Symbols

The Evolution of the Proofreading Process

A few years ago, before the widespread use of digital word processing software, the proofreading process was mostly manual. Proofreaders were given hard copies, or just copies at the time, of a manuscript for proofreading. The same features were considered, e.g., spelling, grammar and punctuation. For rewriting and editing, this process would be even more time consuming, as the editor would have to manually rewrite the content. Proofreaders would use an internationally recognized set of symbols in order to mark errors, and then the writer would keep track of these errors and correct them in a new written version of the original manuscript.

The ISO 5776 comprises the set of recognized symbols proofreaders used to apply during their work. A preview of this list of symbols can be accessed here.

Proofreading in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, however, text processing software such as Microsoft Word allows for proofreaders to do their work at a much faster pace. With no need for manual modification, digitally editing a document is quicker and easier. Modifications can be made instantly, and can be revised and re-modified at anytime in the future. Automatic tools such as spellcheckers are also available, and help speed up the proofreading process.

Moreover, comments and notes can be left on certain parts of a document to remind the proofreader of any actions to take later on, or to inform other proofreaders of important tasks. The ISO 5776 set of proofreading symbols seems to have faded away, as use for it has decreased significantly over the past few years. It is good, however, to take note of this set of symbols, so that the effort made by manual proofreaders reminds us how easy we have it with advances in technology.

Sources:

• ISO Online Browsing Platform
• Wikipedia: ISO 5776

The Tools Change, but the Quality Remains

It is quite amazing to think about how much work used to go into a single round of edits. Back then, if an editor suggested moving a whole paragraph, the author might have had to re-type the entire page by hand. Today, we can do that in two clicks. While the red pens and the old ISO symbols are mostly gone, the actual “brain work” of the proofreader hasn’t changed at all. It still requires a person who understands the rules of language and the specific needs of academic writing.

I find that digital tools actually allow my team to be even more careful. Because we aren’t spending hours re-writing things manually, we can spend more time thinking about the flow of your ideas and the logic of your arguments. We can leave digital comments to explain why a certain change was made, which helps you learn and improve your own writing for the next time. It makes the whole process much more of a conversation between the editor and the author.

Even though we have fast computers and software that catches basic typos, you still need that human eye to make sure the work sounds professional and clear. Technology makes us faster, but it is the experience of the editor that makes the work great. At PM Proofreading, we combine the speed of modern digital tools with the same careful attention to detail that proofreaders have used for decades. We are here to make sure your work is polished and ready for the world to see, without any of the old manual stress.