Using the Bookshift Proofreader
The Bookshift Proofreader provides professional-grade proofreading with tracked changes and inline comments.
What is the Bookshift Proofreader
A comprehensive proofreading system that:
- Corrects errors - Grammar, spelling, punctuation
- Improves flow - Sentence structure and readability
- Tracks changes - Word-compatible tracked changes format
- Adds comments - Inline reviewer notes for clarification
Tip
Use the proofreader before translation for best results, or after translation to polish the output. There's even a special "Proofreading for Translations" mode designed to catch issues in translated texts.
Submit Your Manuscript
- Navigate to Proofreader from your dashboard
- Upload your manuscript (EPUB, DOCX, or TXT)
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Choose proofreading options:
- Standard - Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- With Continuity Check - Also checks for plot consistency, character names, and timeline issues
- For Translations - Specialized mode for reviewing translated manuscripts (comments written in your language) -
Review credit estimate and submit
Note
Credit cost is based on word count. The continuity check option requires additional processing time and credits but catches issues standard proofreading misses.
Review Results
Processing typically takes 5-15 minutes. When complete:
- Go to your Proofreading Dashboard
- Click on your job to see results
- Download the proofread file
Understanding the Output
Tracked Changes Document
The DOCX output includes:
- Red strikethrough - Deleted text
- Blue underlined - Inserted text
- Comment bubbles - Reviewer notes in margins
To accept all changes in Word:
1. Go to Review tab
2. Click Accept → Accept All Changes
Types of Corrections
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Grammar | Subject-verb agreement, tense consistency |
| Spelling | Typos, incorrect word usage |
| Punctuation | Missing commas, quotation marks |
| Style | Passive voice, word repetition |
| Continuity | Character names, timeline issues |
Continuity Checking
When enabled, the proofreader also checks for:
- Consistent character names and descriptions
- Timeline consistency
- Plot holes and contradictions
Proofreading for Translations
When reviewing a translated manuscript, the Bookshift Proofreader can:
- Compare the translation against the original text
- Flag mistranslations and omissions
- Identify awkward phrasing that doesn't match the target language's natural patterns
- Provide comments and explanations in your language so you understand exactly what changes are being recommended
Tip
If you want an additional check of a translation before publishing, the "Proofreading for Translations" mode is specifically designed for this purpose, with output in native Word Track Changes format.