General Instructions
19
2.75.
If the proofreader detects inconsistent or erroneous statements, it is his or her responsibility to query them.
2.76.
If the grammatical construction of a sentence or clause is questioned by a proofreader and it seems desirable to change the form, he or she must indicate the proposed correction, add a query mark, and enclose all in a circle.
2.77.
All queries appearing on the copy must be carried to the author's set of proofs.
2.78.
Proofs that are illegible or are in any manner defective must be called to the attention of the deskperson.
2.79.
The manner in which correction marks are made on a proof is of considerable importance. Straggling, unsymmetrical characters, disconnected marks placed in the margin above or below the lines to which they relate, irregular lines leading from an incorrect letter or word to a correction, large marks, marks made with a blunt pencil, indistinct marks, and frequent use of the eraser to obliterate marks hastily or incorrectly made are faults to be avoided.
2.80.
In reading proof of wide tables, the proofreader should place the correction as near as possible to the error. The transposition mark should not be used in little-known words or in figures. It is better to cancel the letters or figures and write them in the margin in the order in which they are to appear.
2.81.
To assure proper placement of footnotes, the proofreader and reviser must draw a ring around footnote references on the proofs, then check off each corresponding footnote number.
2.82.
Proofreaders must not make important changes in indentions or tables without consulting the referee.
2.83.
The marks of the copy preparer will be followed, as he or she is in a position to know more about the peculiarities of a job than one who reads but a small portion of it.
2.84.
Any mark which will change the proof from the copy as prepared must be circled in the margin.
2.85.
All instructions on copy must be carried on proof by readers.
