The ideal desk companion for everyday writers, aspiring copyeditors, professional proofreaders, and veteran perfectionists alike

From term papers and annual reports to books and online articles, important documents only look professional if they are free of errors. And whether you're a student, a businessperson, or a professional proofreader, it's your job to make sure that every piece of writing that crosses your desk is clear, concise, and correct. Now you can avoid embarrassing mistakes and hone your critical skills with McGraw-Hill's Proofreading Handbook, the most up-to-date and authoritative guide to ensuring your documents are error free.

Completely updated to include the latest information on Web-based material, this second edition makes proofreading easy for beginners and nonprofessionals, while providing a complete compendium of helpful resources that accomplished proofreaders will return to again and again.

Step-by-step instructions take you through the entire proofreading process, showing you how to:

• Read for accuracy and train your eyes to hunt for errors
• Create a style sheet to help you stay consistent
• Check facts thoroughly and efficiently
• Use good judgment when querying the author
• Master the art of making proofreader's marks
• Understand typesetters' language

This comprehensive guide also provides you with the tools of the trade, giving you valuable sample style sheets, proofreading checklists, a list of commonly misspelled words, and a chart of proofreading symbols--everything you need to dot your I's and cross your T's. You'll never send out a resume, submit a report, or hand in a proofread manuscript without first consulting this go-to guide.