Three Reasons You [Really Do] Need a Final Proof
Why do I need a final proof if my manuscript has already been professionally edited?
I get that question a lot, and I know firsthand the reason behind the ask. The editing process is expensive. Authors are looking for reasonable ways to shave off costs—and time. In the final stages of the publishing process and so close to the finish line, we are highly motivated to push through so we can finally hold a printed book in our hot little hands.
I get it. I'm an editor, but I'm also an author. I hire an outside editor and a proofreader to shape and polish my work. So, may I share three reasons you really do need a final proof?
1—To Provide a Final Sweep
Just before a manuscript is ready for print, a proofreader comes in to sweep up. They tidy everyone else's mistakes—the author's and the editor's. All the loose debris of stray punctuation, rogue spaces, and overlooked typos gets cleaned up and set in order during the final proof. No matter how fabulous your editor is or how meticulous you are, trust me here—hire a professional proofreader.
2—To Protect Your Investment
After the author and editor have handled the manuscript countless times, there is ample opportunity for small mistakes that they both tend to overlook because they’ve become so familiar with the content. This is why it is so important to have a fresh pair of eyes. And while that means another investment of time and money, the very last thing any of us want is to rush to finish or cut corners, only to discover the book is riddled with tiny errors. Without question, skipping the final proof increases the likelihood of typographical mistakes thereby diminishing the value of your book.
3—To Prevent Heartburn
True story. Years ago, I worked with an author who wrote a beautiful allegory. He went through the editing process with me and made his revisions. Perfect. We executed the final proof, and he reread it once more before he sent it to print. Brilliant. But, that's when it happened. He couldn't resist making a couple of "small revisions" on the last page of the book. Boom. A few weeks later, the author had heartburn when he called to tell me that he had a whole box of books with a typo on the very last page. Naturally, he had invested so much time and money into his book already that he was torn whether or not to pay the additional cost to reprint. Paying for mistakes after they are in print is utterly deflating.
Let’s work together to protect your investment! When you select me as your editor, I have a seasoned proofreader I am happy to recommend after the edit is complete. Click here to Contact Me to learn more or schedule your edit.
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