Checking proofs Corrections should be confined to typesetter's errors and serious errors of fact. If you cannot avoid adding or deleting a word or two, reword the relevant lines so that they contain approximately the same number of letters and spaces. If you fail to do this the rest of the paragraph may have to be reset and, if it becomes longer or shorter, lines may have to be transferred from page to page, at additional expense and disruption to the index typescript. Remember that each time a correction is made there is a danger that a new error might be introduced. Always write as clearly as you can, using the symbols shown here.
Unclear corrections are likely to cause further errors and delays.
Black for the insertion of cross-references and completion of running heads. Blue for any alterations of your own to factual errors, including any made in response to the typesetter's queries. It is essential that you meet the deadline set for returning your proofs so that the publication date is not delayed. If there are any points which you wish to raise with the copy-editor, please include a separate note about them with your corrected proofs.