Reading out loud is a highly effective proofreading method used by many writers, and for good reason. Whether your manuscript is long or short, reading out loud forces your eyes to slow down and keep pace with your voice. And when you slow down, you’re more likely to catch errors. Additionally, hearing your words aloud instead of silently in your head will highlight problems that your eyes alone simply don’t pick up.
Find a comfortable, distraction-free location.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to read to an audience (unless you want to, of course). Your ideal reading location might be in your home, your backyard, or even your van parked in a Walmart parking lot. Whatever works! If you’re concerned your children or spouse might distract you by listening (perhaps even laughing?), make it clear you’re working and don’t want to be disturbed—then go into a room and close the door.
Keep your eyes, ears, and mind alert.
Now is not the time for skimming or speed-reading. Make sure you’re reading what’s actually on the page. Pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your words. Listen for awkward phrases and run-on sentences. Note where your tongue trips up. Watch for missing or incorrect words or letters. Your ears should make it much easier to recognize repetitive words and phrases. How about that dialogue—does it sound natural, or stilted and forced? Pay close attention to punctuation.
To further understand what you should be on the lookout for, brush up on your grammar before beginning. Better yet, familiarize yourself with The Chicago Manual of Style, which is the go-to style manual for both fiction and nonfiction books.
Take your time.
You won’t do your best proofreading by rushing, so slow down and focus on the words, letters, and punctuation. Truly listen to what you’re saying. Be ready with a red pen to mark changes as needed. Proofread in manageable blocks of time so that your eyes and brain stay fresh and sharp. The more weary you become, the more likely you are to miss something important. Try reading one chapter at a time, or even just a page or two. If you do plan to read for a prolonged length of time, read in a whisper so you’re gentle on your vocal chords and don’t strain your voice. Keep a glass of water handy to wet your throat and hydrate your body.
Take this method a step further.
Two readers are better than one. Three readers are better than two, and so on. Consider asking people you trust to read your work out loud to themselves. Ask them to mark any obvious mistakes and anything that causes them to stumble or reread a sentence. Some readers may even give feedback on awkward, confusing sentences.
Read it again.
Just when you think you’re done, reread one final time. Each fresh round of proofreading increases the likelihood that you’ll end up with a professional, clean, readable manuscript that you can be proud of.
Categories: .
Tags: affordable editing, Christian copy editor, Christian editing, Christian editor, Christian fiction proofreader, Christian fiction proofreaders, Christian manuscript proofreader, Christian novel proofreader, Christian novel proofreaders, Christian proofreaders, Christian proofreaders blog, Christian proofreading, Christian proofreading services, copy editor or proofreader, need an editor for my book, proofread out loud, proofreading tips, read aloud, read out loud