If you want to get better at proofreading your works, experts advise starting by getting some distance from the text. It can be hard to edit or proofread a paper that you’ve just finished. It's still very familiar, and you tend to skip over a lot of errors. Put the paper aside at least for a few hours and go for a walk or something. Point is, clear your head of what you’ve written so you can take a fresh look at the paper and see what is really on the page.
Next, decide which medium lets you proofread most carefully. Some people like to do it right at the computer, while others like to make a printed copy that they can mark up as they read. If you choose the former, at least try changing the look of your document. Altering the size, spacing, color, or style of the text can actually trick your brain into thinking it's seeing an unfamiliar document.
Find a quiet place to go through the text. Don't proofread in front of the TV or while you're chugging away on the treadmill. Find a place where you can actually concentrate and avoid distractions. This job requires focus.
If possible, do your editing and proofreading in several short blocks of time, too. As with all mental work, your concentration may start to wane if you try to proofread the entire text at one time.
But if you're short on time, try to prioritize. Make sure that you complete the most important editing and proofreading task first.
Good luck, hope your papers don't end up in our future posts!
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