SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Copy Editor
  • Copyholder
  • Editorial Assistant
  • News Copy Editor
  • Proofer
  • Proofreader
  • Typesetter
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What do Proofreaders and Copy Markers do?

A proofreader and copy marker is a professional responsible for reviewing written content to ensure it is free from errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. They play a critical role in the publishing process, examining texts in various formats including books, articles, advertisements, and digital content. Their primary goal is to enhance the clarity and quality of the material while ensuring consistency and adherence to specific style guides. Proofreaders and copy markers meticulously check for typographical errors, correct formatting issues, and ensure that the text meets the intended audience's expectations. They may work closely with authors, editors, and publishers, providing feedback and making recommendations for improvements. The work often requires a keen eye for detail, strong language skills, and a deep understanding of the nuances of written communication.

What the work actually is

  • 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.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Abilities

  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Written Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Knowledge

  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Communications and Media Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

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How people get into it

Education of new hires

Bachelor's degree
Associate's degree
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Getting Information
  • Working with Computers
  • Processing Information
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Word processing software Adobe InCopy · Microsoft Word · Serenity Software Editor · WhiteSmoke
  • Computer based training software Adobe Captivate · InScribe
  • Desktop publishing software Adobe FrameMaker · Adobe InDesign · QuarkXPress
  • Video creation and editing software Adobe After Effects · Apple Final Cut Pro · Avid Technology Media Composer
  • Data base user interface and query software FileMaker Pro · Microsoft Access · Style guide databases

Tools

  • Photocopiers Copy machines
  • Scanners Computer data input scanners
  • Videoconferencing systems Videoconferencing equipment
  • Notebook computers Laptop computers
  • High capacity removable media drives Universal serial bus USB flash drives

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

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Questions people ask

How much do Proofreaders and Copy Markers earn in South Africa?

Proofreaders and Copy Markers salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Proofreaders and Copy Markers do?

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 and Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.