25 Best Proofreading Books in 2023 (Go From Beginner To Pro)

Are you looking for the best proofreading books to help you improve your skills?

Perhaps you don’t know where to start because all the proofreading books on Google or Amazon seem useful and are highly reviewed.

If you’re on a budget, you can only afford to get the BEST ones that will take you from beginner to highly-skilled proofreader once you read them.

Well, I’ve got you covered with this list of 25 books highly recommended by beginners, professional proofreaders, and editors.

When I first started my journey into freelancing, the first two jobs I tried were writing and proofreading. I can safely say that these two skills are still very much useful in my daily life, and have helped me earn well (and hopefully you too!)

I am forever grateful for learning about this side hustle as it put me on a journey to achieving financial freedom!

You’ll find the must-have books to help you start out as a proofreader, as well as books to help you master the skills needed to become a professional.

There’s something for every stage of your proofreading journey.

These books will give you an edge over your competition and offer you the language know-how needed to become great at this job.

It’s always worth it to invest in yourself because your skills and knowledge are something that no one can take away from you.

Don’t worry if the list seems overwhelming and you don’t have the time to go through them all. Simply use my tips to choose the ones that are right for you.

Here are my recommendations for the best proofreading books:

Best style and usage guide

The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition(CMOS)

Best dictionary

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition

Best proofreading guide

McGraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook

Affiliate Link Disclosure

Some of the links on here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

If you want to know how to become a proofreader online but need some training, the Proofread Anywhere course helps you transition into a full-time proofreader/editor and run it as a well-paid business. The Proofread Anywhere course begins with proofreading basics and then goes on to share advanced proofreading methods, how and where to find jobs, what rate to set, and common mistakes to avoid.

Caitlin is the lady who runs the course, and she has been a proofreader since 2007. She turned her love for proofreading into a full-time job and now helps others do the same.

The Proofread Anywhere course is packed with 40+ lessons in 8 modules, grammar-specific worksheets, and real-life example jobs.

After passing with 90% or higher on the final exam you will receive a Certificate of Completion and access to the Self-Publishing School Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex.

Ps; Caitlin is offering a FREE Proofreading workshop that will help you learn the basic skills and decide on whether freelance proofreading is for you. Perfect if you want to know how to become a proofreader with no experience and if you are looking for proofreading courses online for free.

25 Best Proofreading Books for Beginners and Pros

Here are the best books on editing and proofreading grouped according to the type of guide you need.

Style And Usage Guides

1. The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition(CMOS)

What is it:

The ultimate reference guide and must-have for proofreaders, editors, and anyone serious about writing and publishing.

Features:

Written by The University of Chicago Press Editorial Staff with advice from other publishing experts.
A comprehensive guide for writing, including grammar, punctuation, formatting, and citations, with helpful examples and detailed explanations.
Has been around for more than 100 years but is still up-to-date on the latest publication and written communication trends.

Why I Like It:

It’s known as the ‘Bible’ of the publishing world because it is the go-to resource for everything proofreading and editing.
It uses industry standards, so you know you’re on track.
There’s so much information, but it’s all still very easy to follow.

2. The Elements of Style

Authors:

William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

What is it:

A classic writing style guide for proofreaders, editors, and writers.

Features:

Comes in a compact size.
Divided into four parts covering grammar, punctuation, style, and composition.
Includes exercises and examples for each part.

Why I Like It:

Its compact size makes it easy to bring around.
The writing is both engaging and easy to understand.
The advice given is still relevant now.

3. The Associated Press Stylebook

What is it:

The go-to reference guide for journalistic or news writing.

Features:

Offers specific guidelines on basic rules such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation to more specialized topics like news and sports writing.
Revised and updated annually to keep up with the latest language style and usage.
Includes an index for easy navigation and a section on how to make proofreader’s marks.

Why I Like It:

Learning the AP style will give you extra credibility as a proofreader.
It covers everything you need to know about grammar, punctuation, usage, and style.
The layout and index make it really easy to find the information you need.

4. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction

Author:

William Zinsser

What is it:

A classic guide for proofreaders and writers on nonfiction writing.

Features:

Zinsser is a writer, editor, and teacher, and he writes the book based on his insights and many years of experience.
Covers a wide range of topics, from grammar and style to clarity and effectiveness.
A detailed explanation of the principles of nonfiction writing.

Why I Like It:

It’s packed with practical advice based on the author’s many years of experience.
He gets straight to the point, so if you don’t have much time, this is great for you.
It’s indeed a classic guide that will last you many years and can be applied to all types of writing.

5. Garner’s Modern English Usage

Author:

Bryan A. Garner

What is it:

A comprehensive and authoritative guide on the usage of the English language.

Features:

Garner is the author of the grammar and usage chapter in The Chicago Manual of Style and has written many other award-winning books.
Provides detailed guidance into the nuances of grammar, vocabulary, and style.
It’s almost like a dictionary but more enjoyable to read and teaches readers how to use the English language effectively.

Why I Like It:

Usage is not grammar, and this book gives a detailed guide on writing effectively, which is very useful when proofreading.
The many examples make it really easy to understand and put into use.
If you love words and language, you will love this book as much as I do.

6. Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

Author:

Benjamin Dreyer

What is it:

An entertaining and comprehensive proofreading style guide to the English language.

Features:

Dreyer is the copy chief of the publishing company Random House with years of experience as a proofreader and copy editor.
Despite its many pages, it is easy to read and has practical tips on grammar, punctuation, and word choice.
It is full of advice, insider wisdom, and fun facts, making this guide informative and entertaining.

Why I Like It:

The author’s great sense of humor makes this very enjoyable to read.
It’s jargon-free, and the writing is easy to understand.
His experience shows in all his anecdotes, tips, examples, and fascinating footnotes throughout the book.

7. Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

Author:

Mignon Fogarty

What is it:

A concise yet comprehensive guide to grammar and writing.

Features:

Fogarty is popularly known as Grammar Girl for her podcast, which dispenses grammar advice to millions.
Offers clear explanations and tips and tricks to help you recall even the most troublesome grammar rule.
Covers a wide range of topics, including common grammar mistakes, punctuation, style, and word usage.

Why I Like It:

It’s a quick and easy read if you’re short on time.
The memory tricks really help with recalling finicky grammar rules.
The author gives clear explanations with helpful examples.

8. Painless Grammar

Author:
Rebecca Elliott, Ph.D.

What is it:

A user-friendly and comprehensive guide on English grammar.

Features:

Its accessible format and clear explanations make it easy for beginners to understand even the most complex grammar rule.
Includes many exercises and quizzes in each chapter to reinforce understanding.
Well-organized in a step-by-step format for easy reference.

Why I Like It:

It’s a fun and easy-to-read guide for beginner proofreaders.
It’s easy on the pocket if you’re on a budget.
You can find everything you need easily.

9. Woe Is I: The Grammarphobe’s Guide to Better English in Plain English

Author:

Patricia T. O’Conner

What is it:
A grammar guide that is written in an approachable and humorous manner.

Features:

O’Conner has years of experience as the former editor of The New York Times Book Review.
Includes practical tips and examples.
Updated with the latest in grammar rules for writing and is jargon-free to make learning enjoyable.

Why I Like It:

The author’s writing is witty and made me laugh throughout.
The tricks offered makes it easy to remember grammar rules.
There are many useful tips that you will want to bookmark.

10. The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

Author:

Lester Kaufman and Jane Straus

What is it:

A comprehensive guide and workbook for learning English grammar and punctuation.

Features:

Offers clear explanations in a concise way so that you can learn everything about grammar and punctuation rules without much fuss.
Includes many examples, quick reference charts, and quizzes.
Organized in a user-friendly way for easy reference.

Why I Like It:

The layout makes it great to refer to any time you need it.
The quizzes at the end help with mastering what you’ve learned.
There’s a ton of information about grammar and punctuation to help you while proofreading.

11. Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for Every Writer

Author:

Roy Peter Clark

What is it:

A comprehensive toolkit of writing strategies to help anyone master the English language.

Features:

Clark is an influential writing teacher with more than forty years of experience in journalism, writing, and teaching.
Includes 55 helpful tools to improve writing, each explained in a clear and concise manner.
Filled with practical tips, exercises, and real-life examples to reinforce understanding.

Why I Like It:

The Workshop exercises at the end of each chapter offer good practice.
You can read the book one tip at a time, making it less overwhelming.
It’s practical because there are many tips and examples from other writers in all genres.

12. The Best Punctuation Book, Period

Author:

June Casagrande

What is it:

A comprehensive guide and all-in-one reference for all things punctuation.

Features:

Offers practical tips for using punctuation in books, news, academic, and science styles.
Features an alphabetical master list of commonly punctuated terms in different writing styles, such as AP and MLA styles, for easy reference.
It is engaging and accessible, with many exercises and case studies that cover commonly made mistakes.

Why I Like It:

It lives up to its title and will be the book on punctuation you highlight and go back to again and again.
It’s very practical and useful to have access to the different styles: book (CMOS), news (AP), scientific (APA), and academic (MLA).
The second part of the book is like an encyclopedia of commonly confused words that you can easily refer to.

13. One Word, Two Words, Hyphenated?

Author:

Mary Louise Gilman

What is it:

An authoritative and comprehensive guide on compound words that are not offered by most style guides and dictionaries.

Features:

Covers a wide range of compound words with clear explanations and helpful examples of how to use them.
It is well-organized and filled with detailed examples and exercises.

Why I Like It:

The information is still relevant even after so many years.
It’s a short read and makes for a time-saving and handy reference on compound words.

14. Eats, Shoots & Leaves

Author:

Lynne Truss

What is it:

A witty and entertaining guide to all things punctuation.

Features:

Covers basic to advanced punctuation rules and explains them in a clear and humorous manner.
Includes many anecdotes and real-life examples to highlight the importance of proper punctuation.
Truss’ writing style is engaging and witty, making her instructions compelling yet enjoyable.

Why I Like It:

It’s an enjoyable read and will make you laugh out loud.
It’s full of useful information on punctuation and will help you master the use of it in no time.

Dictionaries

15. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition

What is it:

A must-have resource for proofreaders to reference the meaning of words and their usage.

Features:

Updated frequently and currently features over 225,000 definitions and over 42,000 usage examples.
Includes a free one-year online subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged.com and a Handbook of Style to help improve writing skills.

Why I Like It:

It’s a reliable reference if you’re looking for the correct spelling, meaning, and usage of English words.
It’s organized such that you can find all the words easily.

16. New Oxford Dictionary for Writers & Editors

What is it:

An essential reference guide for proofreaders and editors with comprehensive coverage of 25,000 words that most frequently cause writers or editors confusion.

Features:

Provides guidance on spelling, capitalization, misused words, hyphenation, proper names, and abbreviations.
Includes a guide to foreign words and phrases.
Useful for proofreaders and editors as a reference for common writing conventions and editorial practices.

Why I Like It:

The small size makes it handy for carrying around.
It’s a quick reference during proofreading with its list of commonly misused words, spelling, and punctuation.

Proofreading Guides

17. McGraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook

Author:

Laura Anderson

What is it:

An all-in-one resource to help anyone who wants to learn about proofing books and become an effective proofreader.

Features:

Offers step-by-step instructions to take you through the entire proofreading process, from basic grammar rules to how to spot errors.
Includes many exercises and practical tips with real-world examples.
Comes with valuable sample style sheets, proofreading checklists, a list of commonly misspelled words, and a chart of proofreading symbols.

Why I Like It:

A useful handbook that will teach you everything you need to know about proofreading.
The writing and layout make it easy to read and understand.
It’s helpful for beginners looking to learn more about proofreading and professionals looking to refresh their knowledge and skills.

18. The Copyeditor’s Handbook

Author:

Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz

What is it:

A comprehensive guide for proofreaders and copyeditors covering everything from grammar and punctuation to usage and style.

Features:

Comes with an extensive annotated list of editorial tools and references.
Updated with the latest in usage and style, new technologies, and digital formats.
Includes helpful exercises, examples, and practical tips, with more of them in an accompanying proofreading workbook.

Why I Like It:

It’s a manual with everything you need to know about proofreading and copyediting.
This book will teach you how to use a style manual and dictionary effectively.
It guides you through the pitfalls and the expectations of the different editorial styles.

19. The Pocket Book of Proofreading

Author:

William Critchley

What is it:

A comprehensive overview of freelancing for publishers and working as a freelance proofreader.

Features:

Covers all aspects of proofreading, including grammar, punctuation, usage, and style.
Comes with appendices, a glossary, an index, and practical exercises.
Offers a free download of a three-part proofreading and copy-editing course with extra exercises.

Why I Like It:

It’s perfect for beginners.
It teaches you how to find work and get started as a proofreader.

20. The Subversive Copy Editor

Author:

Carol Fisher Saller

What is it:

An engaging and informative resource for proofreaders and copyeditors looking to improve their skills and maintain relationships with writers.

Features:

Focuses on how to build a good relationship with writers so that the job of proofreading and editing can be done more effectively.
Includes personal anecdotes and practical tips based on real-life examples told in a humorous and engaging way.
Provides clear and concise explanations of grammar rules, punctuation, usage, and style.

Why I Like It:

It’s a quick read if you’re short on time.
It contains many valuable pieces of advice that can be applied to areas beyond editing and proofreading.
The stories are relatable and perfect for beginners.

21. Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors

Author:

Kathy Ide

What is it:

A valuable resource for proofreaders with insider tips and techniques used by successful authors to proofread their writing.

Features:

Covers all aspects of proofreading, from grammar and punctuation to industry-standard style guides.
Highlights the most common mistakes made in punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling with tips on how to catch them.
A handy resource for commonly used rules from the Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, and the Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.

Why I Like It:

It’s handy as a quick reference as opposed to other bulkier manuals.
The examples are helpful in explaining all the grammar rules.

22. What Editors Do: The Art, Craft & Business of Book Editing

Editor:

Peter Ginna

What is it:

A collection of essays from 27 leading book editors providing professional advice and a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing of a book.

Features:

For proofreaders who want to learn more about the editing process.
Offers valuable and practical advice on how to build a successful career in book editing.
All the essays are authoritative, entertaining, and informative.

Why I Like It:

It gives you an insider look at the publishing of a book.
The insights will help you understand what goes into creating a good book and what you must look out for in the writing.

23. The Editor’s Companion: An Indispensable Guide to Editing Books, Magazines, Online Publications, and More

Author:

Steve Dunham

What is it:

A comprehensive guide to help improve your proofreading and editing skills.

Features:

Covers common mistakes in punctuation, parts of speech, sentence structure, and the right language usage.
Includes editing resources and checklists, advice on editorial relationships and workflow, and real-life samples of editing.
Well-organized for easy reference and provides a chapter on editor’s tools and resources.

Why I Like It:

The chapter on Editor’s Tools provides a commented bibliography, a list of online resources, and an example of a checklist, all of which are very useful to have.
It’s a great book for beginners who want to learn the proofreading basics using the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook.

24. The Chicago Guide to Copyediting Fiction

Author:

Amy J. Schneider

What is it:

The first comprehensive guide on copyediting for fiction.

Features:

Schneider provides practical tips and advice based on more than 25 years of experience in copyediting.
Covers all aspects of copyediting for fiction, including grammar and usage.
Comes with style sheet templates and tips on building your own.

Why I Like It:

It contains everything you need to know about proofreading and editing fiction.
There is a lot of useful information, including examples for workflow, lists of things to check and look out for, and tools to help with the process.

25. Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies

Author: Suzanne Gilad

What is it:

One of the probest proofreading books for beginners looking to learn the basics of copyediting and proofreading.

Features:

Covers grammar, punctuation, style, and common proofreading challenges with examples to reinforce understanding.
Well-organized, user-friendly, and written in a relatable manner for beginners.
Comes with a list of commonly misspelled words, an online cheat sheet, and tips on succeeding as a proofreader.

Why I Like It:

It’s a good stepping stone for beginners before moving to more detailed manuals.
Also teaches you how to build a career as a freelance proofreader.

What Is Proofreading?

Proofreading is reviewing a piece of writing and checking for any errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting.

It happens at the very last stage of the writing process before it is published or shared with others.

Proofreading is important for any written communication because it ensures the document is error-free and sends the intended message to the audience.

As a customer, you wouldn’t trust a business that sends a message riddled with grammatical or spelling mistakes.

It would seem like they are unprofessional or don’t take things seriously. Worse still if it causes a miscommunication that results in loss of money.

That is why proofreaders are so important and in high demand. You can learn how to become a proofreader in 8 simple steps.

Benefits Of Reading Proofreading Books

Whether you are new to proofreading or want to brush up on your skills, there are many benefits to reading proofreading books:

Improve your language skills – You can learn in detail about all the necessary grammar rules, punctuation, correct spelling of words, style conventions, and usage for writing effectively.

Hone your attention to detail – Proofreading books provide tips and techniques to help you catch all sorts of errors and inconsistencies in a piece of writing.

By practicing regularly, your attention to detail will improve, allowing you to become better at your job.

Keep up with trends – Language is dynamic and evolves over time.

As a proofreader, you must stay on top of these changes and learn the latest grammar rules, usage preferences, and formatting practices before you apply to any proofreading job.

Learn the industry standards – There are many jobs available to proofreaders, especially one who is adaptable and well-versed in the different industry standards, such as publishing, journalism, or academics.

You can find these guidelines in proofreading books or take up one of these proofreading courses to save time.

Exposure to different styles – Reading different proofreading books will expose you to various writing styles, help you expand your vocabulary, and learn the subtle nuances of the language.

All this is what sets a skilled proofreader apart from a beginner.

If you’ve read these books on proofreading and editing and still feel like you need more instruction and guidance, consider taking one of these proofreading courses that can be taken right from the comfort of home.

And if money is an issue, here is a FREE workshop that will teach you how to become an online proofreader!

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How To Choose The Best Proofreading Book For You

With so many proofreading books available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one.

Here are some tips on how to choose the best books on proofreading for you:

What is your budget?

While investing in yourself is always a good thing, you don’t want to break the bank either.

Determine how much you can set aside and spend on a few highly recommended books to make it worth your money.

And while you may be tempted to look for probest proofreading books pdf, proofreading books pdf, or even probes proofreading books free, I’ve learned that it’s best to have a hard copy of the book on hand for easy reference.

So skip a few cups of expensive coffee and save up!

What is your experience and skill level?

If you are just starting out as a beginner, choose a book that covers basic grammar rules and punctuation.

If you have more experience, a book discussing more advanced techniques like style and usage may be more suitable.

Does it come with good reviews?

Read reviews to see what others who have read the book have to say about it.

You can also check online forums and ask other proofreaders for their opinion.

Who is the author?

Consider the author’s background and experience as it determines the credibility of the information in the book.

Make sure the author(s) has a proven record in proofreading or related areas such as publishing and editing.

What is your learning style?

If you learn better by reading, choose a book that is engaging, entertaining, and written in a clear and concise manner.

If you prefer to learn through doing, look for books that provide many examples, exercises, and quizzes.

FAQ On Best Proofreading Books

What Is The Best Proofreading Book?

Here are the 7 best proofreading books you need to become a proofreader:

McGraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook by Laura Anderson
The Chicago Manual of Style
Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer
Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty
One Word, Two Words, Hyphenated? by Mary Louise Gilman
The Best Punctuation Book, Period by June Casagrande
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition

What Is The Best Practice For Proofreading?

Some of the best practices for proofreading include:

Read aloud slowly to hear how the text actually sounds.
Read the document backward to help focus on individual words and punctuation.
Don’t rely on spelling and grammar checkers because they’re not 100% accurate.
Check for one error at a time for better focus.

How Do I Study For Proofreading?

You can study for proofreading by taking an accredited course to learn the necessary skills and knowledge, but becoming a proofreader without experience or qualifications is possible.

Remember to practice proofreading regularly to improve your skills—master different writing styles and grammar and punctuation usage by referring to the many proofreading books available.

Can You Get Paid To Proofread Books?

Yes, you can get paid to proofread books. You can make good money as a proofreader as the average rate is $16 – $28 per hour, depending on your experience and expertise.

Proofreaders are sought after in publishing houses and businesses that produce written communication. You also get the flexibility to work from home and set your own working hours.

As a proofreader, it’s important to continue to upskill yourself so that you can provide better quality to your clients and keep them coming back for more.

These best proofreading books are a good way to gain insights and practical tips to become a better proofreader.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s something for everyone in this article.

You don’t need to be a degree holder or a native speaker to become good at proofreading. All you need is to put in some time and effort to hone your skills.

Even a little progress each day will eventually make you a master in this field.

So go ahead and grab one of these books and learn something new today.

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