How do you handle proofreading symbols that differ by region?

1 Know your style guide

The first step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to know your style guide. A style guide is a set of rules and standards that define how a text should be formatted, written, and edited. Different style guides may have different preferences for spelling, punctuation, grammar, citation, and layout. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is widely used in the US, while the Oxford Style Manual (OSM) is more common in the UK. Each style guide may also have its own set of proofreading symbols or refer to a specific source for them. For example, the CMOS recommends using the symbols from the Merriam-Webster's Proofreader's Handbook, while the OSM suggests using the symbols from the British Standards Institution (BSI). Therefore, before you start proofreading a text, you should check which style guide it follows and familiarize yourself with its proofreading symbols.

2 Use a cheat sheet

The second step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to use a cheat sheet. A cheat sheet is a handy reference tool that summarizes the most common or important proofreading symbols and their meanings. You can create your own cheat sheet based on your style guide or use an existing one from a reliable source. For example, you can find cheat sheets for the CMOS and the OSM symbols online or in print. You can also find cheat sheets for other regional variations, such as the Australian Style Manual (ASM) or the Canadian Press Stylebook (CPS). Having a cheat sheet handy can help you quickly check the meaning of a symbol, compare different symbols, or refresh your memory.

3 Be consistent

The third step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to be consistent. This means using the same symbols and meanings throughout a text and across different texts that follow the same style guide. Consistency is important to avoid confusion, ambiguity, and errors, while also showing professionalism and attention to detail. For this, you should use only one set of symbols per text, making sure they are used correctly and accurately. Additionally, ensure your symbols are legible, used sparingly and selectively, and not overused or misused.

4 Communicate with your client

The fourth step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to communicate with your client. Before you start proofreading a text, it is essential to discuss the style guide and set of symbols they want you to follow, how they want you to mark the text and indicate the corrections or suggestions, how they want you to deliver the text and the proofreading symbols, and how they want you to handle any questions, doubts, or feedback. This way, you can make sure that you meet their expectations and needs, as well as avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts.

5 Learn from feedback

The fifth step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to learn from feedback. Feedback is the information or response that you receive from your client, your colleagues, or your mentors about your proofreading work and your use of symbols. It can be positive or negative, formal or informal, verbal or written, and it can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, learn from mistakes and successes, make changes and improvements, and avoid repeating the same errors or problems. To learn from feedback, you should seek it out, accept it without being defensive or angry, and act on it rather than ignoring or dismissing it.

6 Keep updated

The sixth step to handle proofreading symbols that differ by region is to stay informed and up-to-date. Doing so will help you adapt to new situations, challenges, and opportunities, and maintain your relevance and competence as a proofreader. To keep updated, you should read regularly from different regions, languages, and styles; learn new skills, techniques, tools, and methods; and network with other proofreaders, editors, authors, and professionals who work with texts and symbols. Read books, articles, blogs, newsletters, and other sources that cover the proofreading field and the proofreading symbols. Take courses, attend workshops, listen to webinars, watch videos, and take advantage of other resources that offer training in the proofreading field and the proofreading symbols. Connect with others through online platforms, forums, groups, communities, or events that connect and support the proofreading field and the proofreading symbols. Exchange ideas, experiences, tips, and advice while building relationships and collaborations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?