So You Want to Be a Proofreader?

So You Want to Be a Proofreader?

Proofreading is a bit like editing in most literary circles; not only do you correct grammar and syntax errors, but you also try to make the translation more readable and flow better, while preserving its original meaning.

Here is an example of a script you might come across while proofreading, taken from the 1st volume special of Tomodachi Game, here:
http://i.imgur.com/v6c7Fyg.jpg

Note that it's helpful to follow along with the raws of any series you're proofreading!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Script Begins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I knew it, it's Ken-chan, it's been since elementary school!
As expected of Ken-chan
Nomura Hayato/ The best friend from elementary school. They were always together whenever they did anything...However, he never stood a change against me which made him the best 'peanut gallery'
...It's been a while, Ken-chan.
I! like you, Ken-chan.
Chigusa Kaede/ She was the cutest girl in the class. I was confessed several times, but I had no interest in girls at the time.  I wouldn't mind going out with her now.
You guys sure haven't changed at all.
since elementary school
Now there's just two left...
Sooory, did I make you all wait?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Script Ends--
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And here is what the final product looks like, with comments on why lines were changed. Note that the comments are for guide purposes only, no need to justify every one of your edits in your test.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proof Begins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I knew it, it's Ken-chan, it's been since elementary school!
I knew it, it's Ken-chan! It's been since elementary school!
    [m] It felt more natural to break the sentence off in the middle, here.

As expected of Ken-chan
As expected of Ken-chan!
    [m] Just adding some punctuation.

Nomura Hayato/ The best friend from elementary school. They were always together whenever they did anything...However, he never stood a change against me which made him the best 'peanut gallery'
Nomura Hayato/ He was my best friend from elementary school. We were always together whenever we did anything... He never stood up against me which made him the best of my peanut gallery.
    [m] Since this is Ken's narration, he should be using "We," not "They." In addition, he isn't the entire peanut gallery, but just part of it. Another word that could've been used is fans or groupies, but we'll go with the translator's choice since it makes sense.

I! like you, Ken-chan.
I... I like you, Ken-chan.
    [m] An elipses seemed more natural.

Chigusa Kaede/ She was the cutest girl in the class. I was confessed several times, but I had no interest in girls at the time.  I wouldn't mind going out with her now.
Chigusa Kaede/ She was the cutest girl in the class. I was confessed to several times, but I had no interest in girls back then.  I wouldn't mind going out with her now.
    [m] Adding that "to" makes it grammatically correct, and changed "at the time" to emphasize that this is in Ken's past.

since elementary school
Since elementary school.
    [m] Grammatical fixes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proof Ends
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The standard format for proofreading is to /remove/ lines that you aren't changing, and make a /duplicate/ of lines you are changing, that is, keep the original line and make your corrected line below it. This is so the translator can quickly review the changes you've made.

REPEAT: Do NOT include any lines in the original script that you haven't actually proofread. We will ask you to remove them, if you don't. Save us time. Don't force us to have to tell you.

If you're unsure of something or want clarification from the translator, add a note, and ask the translator.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points of Attention in Proofreading:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Typos/grammatical errors. Expect few if any of these.

2) Accidentally deleted/omitted words.

3) Awkward sentence structure. [This is a really big hurdle. A translator's brain has to flip between Japanese and English, with each possessing much different sentence structures in terms of subject/verb/object. Sometimes that brain will be stuck in a Japanese-ified mode and produce suboptimal sentences.]

4) Word repetition. [Three sentences in a row with, "Really?"]

5) General improvements. If you think you can make something stronger, suggest it!

6) Remember to pay attention wherever possible to physical constraints of bubble size and formation. Sometimes all kinds of rules have to be broken to fit a given word or sentence onto the page. In simple terms: Try not to use overly sophisticated/long words.

7) Diction. Is this line of dialogue appropriate to this character's background, age, education level, situation?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you think you've got it, go ahead and get started! If you want a bit of practice, head over to this link here:
http://pastebin.com/aTzey8r9

Also, Please take a look at what a fully proofread chapter looks like, here:
http://pastebin.com/HSbXiiUj
WARNING: IF YOUR PROOF DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THAT, WE WILL MORE THAN LIKELY ASK YOU TO REDO IT.

Best of luck! Finished work should be uploaded onto Pastebin with no expiration and then submitted to a leader for review.