I’ve been a writer-for-hire for years, and only recently have I been asked if I do dummy proof editing.
I first had to look up what it was before responding. However, not knowing about it is a clear indicator that I haven’t done it.
The thing is that I do a lot of research on a number of things, including editing, and I’ve never seen it before.
So… What is a Dummy Proof Edit in Writing?
A dummy proof edit in writing is a thorough, methodical review designed to eliminate errors and ensure clarity, readability, and accuracy. The goal is to make the story foolproof. The text should be so clear and polished that no reader—regardless of skill level—will struggle to understand its message. This type of editing removes ambiguity, corrects grammar and style inconsistencies, and enhances overall readability. This is essential when writing for young children.
It reminds me of a final text-to-illustration review of a final interior PDF of a picture book. It’s all about eliminating errors, and ensuring clarity, readability, and good text space. It even involves a careful examination of the illustrations and interior formatting.
In one project, the illustrator had a word spelled wrong within an illustration.
KEY ASPECTS OF A DUMMY PROOF EDIT
Clarity and Simplicity: A dummy proof edit ensures that every sentence is clear, concise, and free of unnecessary complexity. If a reader has to reread a sentence to grasp its meaning, it needs editing. This is especially true with books for young children.
Example: Before: “Millie knew it was imperative that she get the basketball in the basket, otherwise she wouldn’t get on the team.” After: “If Millie didn’t make the basket, she wouldn’t get on the team.”
You can even use interiority dialogue: If I don’t get this basket, I won’t get on the team.
Grammar and Spelling Accuracy: A dummy proof edit eliminates all grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Even minor mistakes can undermine credibility and distract readers.
Example: Before: “Their going to the store later. After: “They’re going to the store later.”
Logical Flow and Structure: A well-edited manuscript follows a logical progression, with each idea (paragraph, chapter) naturally leading to the next. Transitions should be smooth, and paragraphs should be structured for easy reading.
Example: If a paragraph jumps from discussing a character’s background to a completely unrelated event without transition, the edit should add a linking sentence or reorganize the content.
This also applies if the story has more than one protagonist. It’s essential when switching POV, the reader is warned. For middle grade, it’s a good idea for each POV to have its own chapter, and POVs should be limited to two.
It’s never a good idea to make the reader pause, wondering whose POV it is.
Eliminating Redundancy and Wordiness: Concise writing is powerful. A dummy proof edit removes unnecessary words and redundant phrases that do not add value.
Example: Before: “The fact of the matter is that he was late due to the reason that he overslept.” After: “He was late because he overslept.”
Consistency in Style and Tone: A dummy proof edit ensures that style and tone remain consistent throughout the piece. Shifting between formal and informal tones or changing tenses inconsistently can confuse the reader.
Example: I’ll use my fantasy chapter book “Walking Through Walls.” It’s set in sixteenth-century China, so I didn’t use contractions. If I accidentally left a few contractions in the story, it would throw off the style and tone and possibly confuse the reader.
Fact-Checking and Accuracy: Errors in facts, dates, or names can damage credibility. A thorough edit includes verifying all factual information.
Example: If an article states that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye, a fact-check would correct this common myth.
HOW TO CONDUCT A DUMMY PROOF EDIT (5 Tips)
Read Aloud – Hearing the text can reveal awkward phrasing and unclear sentences. If you pause, there’s a problem.
Use Editing Tools – Grammarly, ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor, or Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar check can catch basic errors.
Just be careful with editing tools because they can make mistakes and miss some of your mistakes.
Get a Second Pair of Eyes – A fresh reader can spot issues the writer might miss.
Take a Break Before Editing – Distance from the text helps spot mistakes.
Check for Common Errors – Review common pitfalls such as misplaced modifiers, subject-verb agreement, homophones, and proper punctuation.
SUMMING IT UP
A dummy proof edit refines writing to be clear, correct, and engaging for any reader. By focusing on clarity, accuracy, and readability, writers can ensure their message is foolproof and without distractions.
Whether it’s an email, blog post, or manuscript, well-edited content leaves a lasting impression and enhances credibility.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
