Page:Newspaper writing and editing.djvu/331

 CHAPTER XII

PROOF-READING

How Proof is Corrected. After copy has been set up in type, the type is put into a long, narrow metal tray called a "galley." On a small hand or power press a printed sheet of each galley is made, or "pulled," called a "proof," or "galley proof." To "pull a galley proof" is to make a printed copy of the type in the tray.

Each "proof" is carefully compared with the copy so that errors made by compositors or operators in setting up the copy in type may be discovered and corrected. On large newspapers the proof is corrected by proof-readers employed for the purpose, and the proof-reading room is connected with the composing room. Each proof-reader is assisted by a copy-holder who reads in a monotone everything in the copy including punctuation, capitalization, and paragraphing, so that the proof-reader may see whether or not the printed form corresponds exactly to the copy. In smaller offices editors and reporters read proof, comparing the printed form with the copy only when it is necessary. Every one who writes for publication should know how to correct proof, so that he may be able to do this work quickly and accurately when occasion demands it.

By the use of a few marks and signs it is easy to indicate clearly just how proof is to be changed and corrected. The least possible change should be made because every correction means a loss of time. When