PublishingIntermediate
Proofs and Galleys
Late-stage page proofs or advance copies used for correction, review, and production.
Principle
Proofs are for catching errors in the nearly finished book, not for rewriting it.
Takeaways
- Page proofs check typeset pages before final printing or release.
- Galleys or advance reader copies can circulate before final correction.
- Late changes are constrained because production has already begun.
Overview
Proofs and galleys are late production forms of a book. Page proofs let the author, proofreader, and production team catch remaining errors in layout and text. Galleys or advance reader copies may be sent to reviewers, booksellers, librarians, or media before publication, sometimes before every correction is final.
Examples
- An author reviews page proofs and marks only true errors.
- A galley is sent to booksellers months before publication.
- A proofread catches a missing line break introduced during typesetting.