How Important is Proof-Reading?

A friend sent me a question--- Is proof-reading important? On face value this is a simple question with an easy answer. Yes, you must proof-read. Many times. Publishers should be concerned.  Most publishers won't see your book if it hasn't been proof-read because it won't make it past the agent and editor.  I've posted the letter below and would love to hear your opinion.

"I just wanted to run something by you since you are an aspiring new author.  Do you believe in proof-reading before sending a manuscript to the printers?   Would or should a publisher be concerned if an article or book was NOT proof-read?  

In the last year or so, I have looked at a variety of books (mainly on aviation topics, but also a few others).  To my surprise, I've found multiple errors in spelling, grammar and even explanations and sometimes incorrect diagrams too!  I am not talking about the occasional typo, but errors every few pages.  

Three separate books by different authors, all had tons of mistakes and errors.  IMHO, that is not only distracting but it also shows a lack of credibility and professionalism.  If this is the standard they set, then why should I bother to read their work, let alone purchase it?  Imagine if you were looking for a job and sent a cover letter/resume in for your dream job and it was full of typos, incorrect spelling and bad formatting.  Do you think it may just end up in the circular file? 

The author of this question provided an example of an aviation book that he'd said had multiple negative reviews. I looked at the book in question, and while it's supposed to be a technical book, there are in fact many errors.

"The reason I decided NOT to buy it was my browsing several pages allowed on Amazon and the volume of negative reviews on its content.  I'm not even sure if the author knows that his book is so full of errors!  I would never buy a tech book that is inaccurate to this extent and it kind of makes a mockery of its title, Ace The Pilot Technical Interview  

If you look at the same book under the US Amazon, you get even more negative reviews.  The majority of the positive ones seem to be the entry-level pilots starting out on their careers and perhaps they wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a right and wrong answer." 

---- Excellent point. When you are an expert a particular field like aviation, when the agent is not, perhaps the agent doesn't know the book is in error. I'm sure they don't have technical experts in all areas.  Is this a good excuse? I don't think so.

"Another book on how to answer any question during an interview, had the author come back to a reviewer saying, don't worry so much about the typos, it's the message inside that's important, not the spelling or grammar! --- I assure you that spelling and grammar mean everything.

Maybe as a pilot, I've learned that if you are going to do something, you should do it right, not half-heartily.  Also, I think it is in the pilot psyche to be detail-oriented and meticulous.  Besides, whatever happened to Spell Checker?!  I would think most authors using a word processing or publishing program to write their books would have this feature enabled, so why not use it?

Spelling and grammar are not important--- they are essential. Most people won't read the content if there are errors. If you're going to do it, do it right. I'm sorry you had this experience, but it could be a result of self publishing. I looked up the publisher in question with this aviation book, yes they have a branch of self publishing. 

Unfortunately authors who publish without the pride and ownership, give self-publishing a bad name. I am not against self-publishing, but it you do it, do it right. 

How many times should we proof-read our work?  What steps do you take to create perfection? Inquiring minds want to know.

Happy Writing


~ Karlene