Proofreading at light speed
Monday, 23 June 2008
Must-haves before starting on a rush proofreading job:
- A selection of not only red pens, but also green and purple (easy to see on proofs that have been marked up by several people), as well as highlighters and Post-It notes in several colours.
- A full tin of good coffee.
- Snack food --- biscuits with red-coloured jam are my current faves.
- Proximity to coffeeshops with economy rice/nasi padang stalls or fast-food outlets --- all foods that are high on the oil/unhealthy satisfaction level, yet easy to scarf down while the eyes and hands are occupied with marking up the proofs.
- A completely clear schedule --- intensive proofreading makes one too braindead to even carry on a decent conversation on the phone, to say nothing of not having the time to spare for a social phone call.
- A complete willingness to ignore any email not related to this job, not to mention the news, the phone, the TV and just about everything else going on in life, including circadian rhythms (yes, my preference is to spell it with a lower-case "c").
Labels: A day in the life of, Deadlines, Eating and drinking, Proofreading, The work day
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