When proofreading in paper form, corrections usually appear in the left or right margin next to the line containing the error. A marker is also placed in the text indicating where the correction is to be made. A caret (^) indicates an addition and a line through the text indicates a deletion or replacement. Proofreading marks are traditionally written in red ink for better visibility. Your editor or reviewer may use variations of the marks listed above. If you come across brands you don`t know, don`t hesitate to ask for clarification. Apostrophe: The apostrophe sign is an apostrophe enclosed in quotation marks. Lowercase: The lowercase is a line through the letter that must be lowercase. If the whole word must be lowercase, draw the line through the first letter, and then extend a horizontal line over the rest of the word. If you`ve ever proofread a printed copy of a document, chances are you`re familiar with the strange typology of professional proofreaders.

Your returned document is so full of symbols (hieroglyphics? Prosper? Cuneiform?!), that you think it has been translated into Martian! Quotation marks: The single quotation mark is a quotation mark in an inverted insertion mark. Paragraph: The paragraph mark looks like a small letter c with two longer vertical lines running through it. These strange marks are the «imprint» that your reviewer has left on the document to highlight changes to be made to the text. The proofreader uses a series of symbols and abbreviations to suggest changes, correct spelling mistakes, improve punctuation and, in general, improve the quality and readability of a paper document. Comma: The comma is a comma in an insertion mark. Delete a letter: a diagonal line through the letter with the delete mark on the edge Deciphering changes proposed by a reviewer took hours; Fortunately, this is no longer necessary. Submit your document to one of our proofreading services today for a quick and easy-to-use document review that uses tracked changes instead. Transpose: The transposition mark is a line that curves around letters, words or words that need to be reversed.