A reviser must not remodel the punctuation of the readers or make any serious changes in the work unless the matter apparently needing correction is of unmistakable importance. If he thinks it necessary that an important change should be made, he should submit the change proposed to the foreman for his decision.
All queries made by readers must be carefully transferred to the proof to be sent out, which should always be clean and well printed.
Every paragraph containing an alteration in a proof that makes one or more overruns must be reread as first proof. It must be read aloud by copyholder, word for word, to the end of the paragraph, or at least far enough to satisfy the reviser that the proper correction has been made and no new errors have slipped in while the lines were being handled. The practice of revising the alteration only and of rereading without copyholder has been the source of many errors, and will no longer be permitted.
Revising should be done with reasonable dispatch, but good work must not be sacrificed to haste. The “hurry” excuse for passing bad work will not be accepted, as assistance will be furnished whenever necessary.
PRESS REVISING.
Press revising is a branch of proof-room work requiring special adaptability and great diligence and care. Not only must the reviser observe that the rules governing the work of those who precede him have been followed, but he must be on the alert for a multiplicity of points not coming within their sphere. Hence, a clear head, quick eye, knowledge of the style, acquaintance with the make-up of various publications, a high sense of order, an ability for detail, and mind and nerves not easily disturbed are prerequisites to success in the work.
A few general rules only can be given to guide the press reviser. He handles a variety of work and must decide each point as it presents itself. He is cautioned never to allow his work to get behind (calling for assistance when rushed), but not to make a sacrifice of correctness for the sake of speed.
The following rules should be carefully studied:
1. See that galley slips connect before beginning the page or press revise.
2. See that page folios are continuous, that running heads are correct and uniform, and that the proper signature is correctly placed.