Recently I read an article saying that being a proofreader is not in-born. I want to categorically state here that there is an element of nature in being a proofreader. What I am saying is that there is something known as being naturally talented in proofreading.
So how do you know you are naturally endowed as a proofreader?:
Allergy
A natural proofreader is error-allergic. Whether you are driving or walking past a street, reading news headline, or listening to an interview in television or radio, your attention is quickly drawn to any error you come across. Your ears tingle when you hear a grammatical error in spoken language, especially if it is from sources you do not expect. Moreover, you feel terribly bad when you see such mistakes and your reaction to them is always to correct them. As far as you are concerned, an error is a nuisance
An Eye For Imperfection
You will notice that what ordinarily escapes the eyes of an average person will not escape your notice. The human brain has the capacity to add up missing words when you are reading or even see what you expected to see. So, the one who is not endowed with proofreading abilities may pass by such errors without noticing them. This is not the case with the proofreader. You do not need extra effort to spot such grammatical blunders.
Good Command of The Language
Before the fore-going can be attainable you must have trained yourself to have a good command of the English Language. This is imperative because you cannot give out what you do not have. So, you must be good both in written and spoken English. Those who studied English Language, Linguistics or other related courses are at a greater advantage here. This is not to say that any other person cannot be a proofreader.
Go Train Yourself
Having said these, I must admit that you still need to train yourself in order to maximize your potentials as a proofreader. There are some advice on proofreading, lettering and symbols that you need to know if you really want to become a professional in the art of proofreading.
What I am advocating is that you do not rely solely on your natural endowment. Skills/talents are polished to bring out the best in the real you – The Proofreader.