Four Tips to Survive Proofreading

I wanted to write an actual post about some things that have been on my mind but this week has been pretty busy and tiring so I didn't get around to that. But because I want to keep a good rhythm for this blog going, I did manage this post... yet another list. This is something I've wanted to talk about anyways since I'm in the middle of proofreading a draft of my Peter Pan retelling/continuation. Proofreading is my least favorite part of the writing process. It's fun to print the book out and I like the idea (or more aesthetic I suppose) of sitting and reading through my draft and marking it up with a cup of tea next to me but in reality... its not as fun to me.
Like at all. It's a total drag. So this post is for all of those who don't find it fun to read through a draft you've combed through at least ten times already. Here are four tips to help you get through the proofreading process without giving up or falling apart. I can't guarantee it'll make the process more fun but... they make it a little more bearable.

1. The right setting. OK so the aesthetic and idea of proofreading does help give me a little motivation, especially if I have a nice pen and some tea. And if I'm being totally honest sitting down with all of those things and getting to work marking up my draft is a little easier after I post a picture of my aesthetically pleasing setting of proofreading on Instagram. Oddly, it gives me motivation and even accountability cuz I'm like well I just posted that I'm doing this so... I should probably do it. 
2. Good background music. I usually write with lyrical music but I can't read or proofread or edit with that sort of music. But I also can't do any of those things in complete silence. I can't stand silence so I always have to have some form of music or noise. When I sit down to proofread good background music helps a lot! Especially if I can find a movie soundtrack or make a playlist centered around the genre of my story. I found the soundtrack for the Peter Pan movie and usually listen to that or an assortment of soundtracks from my favorite fantasy movies and shows when proofreading Second Star to the Right. 
3. Drinks and snacks. I don't know about you but I'm pretty motivated when it comes to drinks and snacks. My favorite drink for writing, reading and proofreading is tea and if I can find chips or something sugary to eat while I read that would be great too. So when you sit down to proofread make sure you have something hot to drink and something sugary to eat. 
4. Weekly/daily goals. I've found that weekly goes work best for me when it comes to revising, editing or proofreading. Right now I tell myself I only have to read five chapters at the minimum and if I go over then great but if I don't then at least I still accomplished my goal for the week. This has been super helpful because at the end of the week I know how many chapters I read and I feel accomplished. Without these weekly goals I get to the end of the week feeling like I didn't do enough or the end of a day feeling the same way.

I don't know if this really counts as another way, but I like to have something to fiddle with while I proofread. When I'm particularly anxious even for no reason in particular, I always have a hard time concentrating and staying on task. My mind keeps bouncing from one thing to the next and I just can't focus. Whenever I get like that I learned in the past week that having thinking putty helps a lot! I totally forgot that I had some in my room and happened upon it a few days ago. It's helped a lot in keeping me focused and just giving my hands something to do and play around with when I'm reading.

So there you have it! Four (five-ish) ways I get through proofreading without completely losing my mind. I hope these tips are helpful!

Do you enjoy proofreading? If not, what do you do to get through it??