Proofreader required for in-house corrections

1-year contract. Strong possibility of further work. Part-time work is possible (minimum 30 hours/week availability).

Proofreading Corrector and Proofreader required for educational publisher ZigZag Education in their busy office in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. The main roles will be applying corrections from marked-up proofread documents and proofreading documents, both on paper and electronically. The likely split between the two parts of the role is half-and-half although this is subject to change with requirements of the department.

An eye for detail and an excellent knowledge of English spelling, grammar and punctuation are essential.

The aim of the proofreader and proofreading correctors is to ensure that the finished product is accurate, consistent and error-free. Essential skills for the successful applicant are:

• Highly literate native speaker of English with strong numeracy skills
• Excellent writing skills, standards of spelling and knowledge of punctuation and grammar
• The ability to notice errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar – in hard copy and on screen
• Knowledge of the British Standard BS 5261C: 2005 proofreading symbols and how to apply these
• Methodical and meticulous for long periods, with the ability to proofread and apply corrections quickly (proofreading with an average speed of over 4,000 words per hour)
• Computer-literate, with excellent skills in MS Word
• The ability to type accurately
• Good decision-making, with the ability to recognise when to raise a query with the author of a document – if, for example, their meaning is ambiguous or unclear
• Ability for consistently applying house style