PROOFREADING INSTRUCTIONS

PROOFREADING INSTRUCTIONS FOR HANDBELL MUSIC

It is best to check one item at a time. Trying to check too many things at once will result in errors. Make corrections directly on photo copies in red ball point pen. Type an additional list of corrections on a separate sheet. If there are no corrections, or only a few, call them into the editor at (616) 791-0066. 

Check the spelling of the title, composer, arranger, and lyricist. The composer's name is often capitalized and the arranger's name should be upper/lower case. If there is a lyricist, the name should appear on the left side. See that the copyright is centered at the bottom of each title page.

Check the bell chart marking sure all notes are correct. If you have written a hand chimes part, you must include a hand chimes chart under the bell chart. Count the notes in the bell and hand chimes charts and compare the count with the bells needed and chimes needed markings. For music that is written for optional octaves, make sure there is a footnote explaining the parentheses and brackets etc. Be sure that the number of octaves appears under the title. Use (2-3 Octaves), (3 Octaves), (3-5 Octaves), etc.

Check all clef signs, key signatures, time signatures, double bars, and repeats.

Check tempo marking over the time signature, and check all tempo changes. Make sure that retards (rit.) are between the staves and a tempo is above. Check dynamics, crescendos, diminuendos, and all markings including parentheses, brackets, and special bell markings with their footnotes if any are used.

Check the measure numbers. Check rhythm making sure that each beat is clearly shown with the use of lead lines or rests. Check ties.

If you have written a lyric, check for spelling, capital letters, punctuation, syllabification, and melisma lines.

Carefully check your notes. Check accidentals making sure that reminders appear in the next measure only. Reminder accidentals are often in parentheses.

If there are multiple parts, a score and parts, etc., check each part individually and then check the parts against the score for accuracy and consistency.

Play the music.

Extra Time proof reading always pays.

Return your work promptly to Lake State Publications. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPUTER GENERATED MUSIC

If your music is computer generated you should be alerted to the fact that it is very easy to lose information when changes are made. Moving staffs and changing spacing is especially dangerous. We ask that you try to avoid these kinds of changes if possible because they require that the entire page of music be rechecked for errors. The best way to check computer generated music is by using the conventional proofreading as shown above. top