Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Proofreaders traditionally scan text and mark up spelling, punctuation and grammar errors ^[1]. Today, many of those routine checks are handled by AI tools. For example, grammar software (like the checkers built into word processors or apps like Grammarly) can flag typos and punctuation mistakes automatically.

Recent research found that a model like ChatGPT was very good at catching spelling and punctuation errors in a manuscript ^[2]. In practice, our industry surveys show that AI editing is already common: one 2024 report found about 75% of communications professionals use generative AI, and 70% of them use AI specifically to help with editing text ^[3]. These tools save time and improve productivity on simple fixes.

However, experts warn that AI still misses nuances of style, tone or content accuracy ^[2]. In short, current AI is good at the easy stuff (typos, basic grammar) and helps humans work faster, but humans must still check final copies for context, storytelling and tricky errors ^[2].

There are strong reasons both for fast AI adoption and for caution. On the plus side, writing-assistant tools are widely available and often low-cost (many are free or built into software), so it’s easy for companies or individuals to start using them. Because AI can speed up proofreading, businesses see an economic benefit: saving editor time means faster production.

Indeed, surveys suggest most professionals are eager to try AI editing ^[3]. For example, only about 6% of PR or communications pros reported being uninterested in AI tools ^[3], implying the rest see value.