Corrector

Contents

• What is a corrector?
• Key responsibilities of a corrector
• Key skills of a corrector
• Demand for the profession
• How much does a corrector earn?
• Where to study to become a corrector?

What is a corrector?

A corrector is a professional who checks texts for errors, typos, and other inaccuracies. Their main task is to ensure the grammatical, spelling, and punctuation accuracy of the written material. Unlike an editor, who may engage in substantive editing, a corrector focuses on identifying and correcting mistakes after the work of authors, copywriters, and other specialists. They ensure that all texts meet established standards and are error-free.

Working in accordance with the editorial policy of the company, a corrector refers to the rules regarding the use of specific words and punctuation marks. For example, some publications may have rules regarding the use of the letter “ё” or guidelines for abbreviating words. Thus, the work of a corrector includes not only checking texts but also adhering to uniform formatting standards.

Key responsibilities of a corrector

The responsibilities of a corrector can be divided into two main categories:

First proofreading

• Identifying and correcting syntactical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Checking formatting, footnotes, and references.
• Standardizing the use of various words, symbols, and abbreviations.
• Formatting formulas, tables, and diagrams.

Second proofreading

The second proofreading involves checking the text in its final form, such as already typeset material for publication or printing. The corrector must ensure that all elements of the text are formatted correctly, that necessary spacing and margins are maintained, and that the text looks neat and professional. However, it is worth noting that the second proofreading is not always part of the corrector's duties and is often performed by other specialists, such as typesetters or designers.

Key skills of a corrector

To successfully perform their duties, a corrector should possess the following skills:

Professional skills (hard skills)

• Excellent language proficiency: knowledge of spelling and punctuation, ability to identify lexical errors.
• Knowledge of formatting rules: skill in using abbreviations correctly, formatting formulas and calculations.
• Academic formatting of texts: ability to compile bibliographies and title pages.
• Understanding of typography rules: checking the finished product for compliance with technical requirements.
• Working with text editors: confident use of programs such as Word and Google Docs.
• Access to information sources: ability to consult authoritative references for checking formatting rules.

Personal qualities (soft skills)

• Meticulousness: attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Concentration: ability to work with large volumes of text without losing focus.
• Communication skills: ability to justify corrections and interact with colleagues and clients.

Demand for the profession

Currently, the profession of corrector is not in high demand. As of the time of writing this article, there were only about 300 job postings for correctors on job search websites, while the demand for Russian language teachers, copywriters, and editors is significantly higher. Correctors are most often sought by companies with large volumes of text work, where internal editors struggle with proofreading for errors.

In literary agencies and publishing houses, the profession of corrector can be particularly in demand, as it requires specialized knowledge and skills, including the use of proofreading marks. For example, a large agency may seek one corrector to check all the texts of the company, highlighting the importance of this profession in certain sectors.

How much does a corrector earn?

The average salary of a corrector ranges from 40,000 to 50,000 rubles per month; however, many specialists work on multiple projects simultaneously or engage in freelance work. According to some sources, the median salary is about 31,000 rubles. In comparison, the salaries of copywriters and editors can be 1.5 to 2 times higher.

Income can significantly increase if a corrector works in publishing houses, where the salary can reach 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. For example, some job postings offer salaries of up to 75,000 rubles if the duties include not only correcting texts but also creating content for a magazine.

Where to study to become a corrector?

To become a corrector, one can obtain an education in the field of philology or linguistics, as well as more specialized diplomas, such as "Publishing." Employers also often require education in journalism.

There are also specialized courses, such as the "Russian Language in the Digital Age" program from Skillbox or the "First Proofreading" course from the proofreading bureau "Yolki-palki," which lasts 1.5 months. However, even with these courses, employers often prefer candidates with higher humanitarian education, considering it an indicator of literacy and professionalism.