Proofreading: One Stage in the Writing Process

Plan. Determine your audience and the purpose of the document. Brainstorm and do research. Make an outline.

Write. Create your document.

Gather feedback. Show your draft to a colleague, your supervisor, or a subject matter expert and ask for feedback.

Rewrite; gather feedback; repeat. Armed with feedback, write a second draft. Repeat the feedback and writing stages until you have addressed all concerns and incorporated all necessary information into the document.

Edit. Make changes to improve organization, clarity, and flow. Correct glaring errors, but focus on perfecting the content. After editing, the document should feel complete.

PROOFREAD. Reread the document carefully, at least twice. Correct all errors and inconsistencies.

Publish. Distribute copies to your audience or post your document online.