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Proofreaders and Copy Markers

In the Proofreaders and Copy Markers occupation, workers read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. The job can ask you to mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks. Its interest code is CAI. Conventional leads at 6.2 out of 7, so expect orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, with Artistic next at 3.6. Plan on a bachelor’s degree plus a period of work experience; O*NET labels this considerable preparation. Strength in reading comprehension, writing, and speaking helps most here. It tends to suit people who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures, and it offers little for anyone seeking hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world.

What they do

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

Main tasks

  • Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.
  • Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
  • Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
  • Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
  • Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
  • Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want room to make something in your own way.
  • You are ready to spend around four years on a degree, then build experience.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and writing.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You want to work with your hands for most of the day. Realistic rates 1.4 out of 7 here.
  • You want to avoid a four-year degree or its equivalent.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CAI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Considerable preparation. Most jobs here ask for a bachelor’s degree, and employers usually expect a few years of related experience as well.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Copy Editor
  • Copyholder
  • Editorial Assistant
  • News Copy Editor
  • Proofer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.