Proofreading Modes Explained
The Bookshift Proofreader offers different modes optimized for different use cases. Choosing the right mode ensures you get the most relevant feedback.
Modes Overview
| Mode | Best For | Credit Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Original manuscripts in the target language | 0.75 credits/word |
| Translation | Translated manuscripts | 0.75 credits/word |
| With Continuity | Any manuscript needing consistency checks | 0.8 credits/word |
Standard Mode
Use for: Manuscripts written directly in the target language (not translations)
What It Checks
- Grammar - Subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, sentence structure
- Spelling - Typos, misspellings, incorrect word usage
- Punctuation - Missing or incorrect punctuation marks
- Style - Passive voice, word repetition, awkward phrasing
- Flow - Sentence and paragraph transitions
What You Get
- DOCX with tracked changes - Accept or reject changes in Word
- Inline comments - Reviewer notes explaining suggestions
- Professional formatting - Ready to share with editors or beta readers
When to Use
- Your original manuscript before publication
- After self-editing but before professional editing
- Before translation to ensure clean source text
Translation Mode
Use for: Manuscripts that have been translated from another language
What It Checks
Everything in Standard mode, plus:
- Translation artifacts - Phrases that sound like translations rather than natural writing
- Calques - Literal translations that don't work in the target language
- Idiom adaptation - Cultural references that may not translate well
- Register consistency - Tone and formality appropriate for the target audience
- Terminology preservation - Consistent use of specialized terms throughout
How It's Different
Translation mode references both the source and target languages in its comments. This means:
- Comments explain why something sounds "translated"
- Suggestions preserve the original meaning while sounding natural
- You understand exactly what changes are being recommended
Tip
If you want to review a translated manuscript before publishing, Translation mode is specifically designed for this purpose. Comments are written in your language so you can understand the recommendations.
When to Use
- After receiving a translated manuscript
- Before publishing a translation
- When a translation "doesn't feel right"
Continuity Check
Optional add-on for either Standard or Translation mode
What It Checks
The continuity checker analyzes your manuscript for internal consistency:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Characters | Names, physical descriptions, personality traits |
| Locations | Place descriptions, geography, layouts |
| Timeline | Chronology, dates, sequencing of events |
| Sartorial details | Clothing, accessories, appearances |
| Plot threads | Unresolved story elements, forgotten details |
How It Works
- Uses advanced AI to build a "memory" of your story
- Compares later passages against earlier descriptions
- Flags inconsistencies for your review
When to Use
- Long novels with many characters
- Series books where consistency matters
- Complex plots with multiple storylines
- Any manuscript where you're worried about continuity errors
Note
Continuity checking requires additional processing time and credits (0.8 vs 0.75 credits/word), but catches issues standard proofreading misses.
Choosing the Right Mode
Decision Guide
| Your Situation | Recommended Mode |
|---|---|
| Original English manuscript | Standard |
| Original manuscript in other language | Standard |
| Translated manuscript | Translation |
| Long novel with many characters | Standard + Continuity |
| Translated manuscript, worried about consistency | Translation + Continuity |
| Series book | Standard + Continuity |
Combining Modes
Translation mode and Continuity check can be combined:
- Translation + Continuity = 0.8 credits/word
- Gets you translation-specific feedback AND consistency checking
Output Files
Regardless of mode, you receive:
- Proofread DOCX - With tracked changes and comments
- Machine-readable JSON - For programmatic access to suggestions
- Continuity report (if enabled) - Detailed consistency findings
Supported Languages
The Bookshift Proofreader supports 43 languages with:
- Language-specific rules (French spacing, Spanish punctuation, etc.)
- Separate manuscript language and comment language options
- Automatic language detection
If your language isn't supported, contact support to inquire about adding it.
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