Typos are frustrating and can easily slip through when you’re rushing or losing focus. Sometimes, even when you’re careful, missing or incorrect information from a client or colleague can lead to costly errors. Here’s a closer look at why typos happen, how they can go unnoticed, and strategies to prevent them.
Dot Com or Dot Org?
One of my projects involved a series of books where the copyright page included a contact email address. Unfortunately, the project manager didn’t provide the email address in the initial manuscript, so I added it later, assuming a .com suffix—when it should have been a .org.
When Did the Mistake Happen?
Months after the books were completed, the project manager noticed the mistake. Reviewing my files, I saw that in Version 2, a placeholder line was still waiting for the email. The error occurred in Version 3 when I filled it in with the incorrect suffix. No one caught the typo, and the book was published with the wrong contact information.
Why Are Typos So Easy to Miss?
According to cognitive research, our brains can gloss over mistakes due to certain biases and limitations:
- Our brains expect meaning, not perfection: When we read, we focus on the meaning of words rather than individual letters, making it easy to overlook small errors.
- Mental images compete with the screen: What we see on the screen can conflict with the “correct” version of the text in our heads, especially if we’re familiar with the content.
Real-World Consequences
This error was upsetting. I immediately updated the digital files for all books, though the first book had already been printed. Luckily, the author purchased the .com URL to avoid any further confusion.
Catching Mistakes Before They Go Live
Here’s an example where the mistake was caught before the final print. A client requested two product flyers with minor differences: each had unique colors, logos, product names, phone numbers, and URLs. During the approval process, I noticed that Flyer 1 had the wrong product name in one bullet point—it matched Flyer 2’s product name by mistake. I contacted the client, who confirmed the error and thanked me for catching it.
How to Catch Typos and Prevent Costly Errors
To avoid typos, especially those that might affect important details like URLs or product names, consider these strategies:
- Hire a professional proofreader: A fresh, experienced set of eyes is often the best line of defense against typos.
- Ask for an external review: If a proofreader isn’t available, ask someone unfamiliar with the content to review it. Their “new eyes” might catch what you missed.
- Read aloud: Reading your work out loud can help you notice errors that your eyes might skim over silently. You can also have someone read it to you, adding a layer of detachment from the text.
For cases involving links and contact information:
- Test all URLs and email addresses: Click links and send test emails to ensure they work as intended. A broken link or incorrect email address can lead to serious issues.
Slow Down and Double-Check
If you’re working against the clock, take a moment to slow down and carefully review before finalizing. Typos can be stressful and embarrassing, but with a few thoughtful strategies, you can reduce the risk of them slipping through.
