Proofreading

Proofreading, as used in the visual novel industry, is the process of checking a VN's script for grammatical errors and unclear phrasing. It is distinct from editing in that proofreading primarily refers to "line edits" and grammar fixes, where editing may include a variety of other consultation, such as pacing, characterization, plot progression, and emotional impact.

Outside of the visual novel industry, proofreading refers to a final check of typesetting, grammar, and spelling before publication. The work performed by visual novel proofreaders also encompasses most of what the book publishing industry calls copy editing.

Factors to Consider

• Dialect and spelling conventions. British and American English, for example, have different standard spellings for the same words. A desired dialect should be agreed upon before beginning.
• Specific grammar conventions. These include use of ampersands (&), the Oxford Comma, and capitalization of special words besides proper nouns (such as Black or Latine, for example). You might choose to select a specific manual of style, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA. Many writer-proofreader pairs simply work out these issues as they arise.
• Workflow. Does the writer prefer that grammar and spelling mistakes are fixed without further dialogue, or do they prefer to see each change the proofreader makes? (Google Docs' "suggestions" feature and Microsoft Word's "track changes" feature can make the latter process easier.)
• Current state of manuscript. Some writers generate first drafts that are much "tighter" (contain fewer errors) than others. The amount of work required to proofread will vary based on the initial state of the script.
• Formatting. Proofreaders are sometimes enlisted to help with basic scripting, such as formatting dialogue to be easily copy-pasted into an engine.

Pricing

Proofreading rates will vary based on a variety of factors, such as those listed above and the proofreader's proficiency/experience level. DevTalk's pricing guide , last updated in January 2024, lists an average range of USD $0.025 - $0.05 per word for proofreading.

References

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