Q: To what extent am I allowed to correct the author proof?

Detailed Question -

I have a question about a case report that is currently at the “Articles in press” status. I found an error of an idiom in the Discussion section. (Specifically, I used a restrictive clause, whereas a non-restrictive clause should have been used.) I shall soon receive the author proof. I wanted to know if it’s okay to correct this error at this stage? Also, please let me know the general allowable amount of correction for an author proof.

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

Firstly, congrats that your paper has been accepted! And it’s great that you are still checking the paper to make sure that a perfect article goes into press.

Coming to your query, the issue you have spotted is a minor one, and it should be quite okay to correct it during the proofing stage. In fact, that is what the proofing stage is for – to fix minor language, grammar, and style issues. That in a way also answers your second question. The proofing stage is only for small/minor fixes and not large ones and not a lot of changes. It would be difficult to specify a permissible amount, but it should not be too much – else, the paper should not have got to this stage. :-)

Anyway, don’t worry. You can make the change when the proofing mail arrives. Speaking of which, here are some related resources that might be helpful:

Also, you may wish to think about how you can promote your published paper. For this, you may wish to learn about Impact Science, our research communication brand that can help your published work reach out to a bigger audience in several ways. If interested, you may learn more here: Impact Science

But for now, you should help your paper get to publication. All the best for that! And again, congrats!

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