My studies have uncovered a new topic: syntax. How we arrange our words is called syntax. If you work with computers at all, you have probably gotten a syntax error message at some point. Where we put commas or periods and how words are spelled is important. Most of proofreading has to do with matching the style in the document being proofed with the style and format that has been set up by the editor and author. The style is going to decide much of the syntax. We can make phrases, clauses, or whole sentences, and the specific arrangement of the words is guided by the specific style guide and language we are using.
I have found that to be the same when using computers for programming. How the words and punctuation marks are used is extremely specific and important. If I am missing a comma or a period, the command will not work. If I miss a comma or a period in writing, the sentence does not make sense, and someone will flag it as an error. No one wants errors in their firewall security code setup. No one wants to read a book with syntax errors, either.
Details
The same attention to detail is needed in many areas of life. If a book is printed with improper syntax, however, there is no danger of having data leaked and encrypted and held for ransom. If a command in the firewall of your server has a syntax error, however, your data may not be as secure as you thought. Different consequences; same issue.
Syntax in writing often affects the cadence of the story and having a proofreader familiar with the language in which your book is written will help with having the native sound to your writing. Someone who grew up in England and has years of familiarity with British idioms and phrasing might not be the best proofreader for your American novel. An American who is familiar with New England dialects and Deep South drawls might be a better choice. At the same time, if your audience is Australian or British, the proofreader from England will have a much better handle on syntax for your focus group.
Choose well
There are many proofreaders to choose from, and all have their areas of expertise. For your writing to have the best impact, pay attention to where they are from, what they have done, and who you are trying to write for. Choose the proofreader who will have the best skill set to polish your novel or document for your intended audience.
And, as always, have fun writing!
Liza the Bookworm