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 | 0.2 credits/word |
| Translation | Translated manuscripts | 0.2 credits/word |
| With Continuity | Supported original manuscripts needing consistency checks | 0.3 credits/word total |
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
- Uses stronger segmentation for weakly structured manuscripts, including books where chapter breaks are inconsistent
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 adds 0.1 credits per word (0.3 rather than 0.2 credits per word total), 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 is not currently available for translations |
| Series book | Standard + Continuity |
Additional Options
Optional checks and pricing:
- Regional English and Humanizer = included at no extra cost
- Standard + Continuity = 0.3 credits/word total
- Translation proofreading = 0.2 credits/word; continuity checking is not currently offered for translated manuscripts
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.)
- Improved handling for CJK and other scripts where word spacing may be limited
- 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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