Whenever you put anything in print or digital, your reputation is on the line. Not just errors involving pricing and numbers, but mistakes anywhere in your document or website can have a negative effect on your continued employment, promotion, and future success.
“I used a spell checker,” you say. “So, I know it’s going to be perfect!”
But, oh how wrong you are. Never rely on a spell checker. For example, since we are writing about direct marketing and mail, Envelope vs. envelop. Which is correct? Envelop is a verb meaning to wrap up in something, “He wanted to envelop her in a tight hug.”
So, start sharpening your proofreading skill set. Your computer does not know what your fingers forgot. It does not know that you have typed the date of your next fundraising banquet as happening in Mar when you meant to type May.
And if you forgot to include the actual date or time of the event, or that all important phone number, your computer may not remind you. Phone numbers, dates, times—no matter how plentiful your computer memory has, it just cannot comprehend these kinds of misprints.
There is A Proof Designer software that writes outlines of proofs in elementary set theory, under the guidance of the user. It helps students learn to write proofs. Templates of layouts are available to purchase from a variety of vendors.
Be as utterly neat as you can. Use sticky notes if they make things easier to follow. Be thoroughly clear and concise with any comments or queries.
