5 New Year’s Resolutions for Proofreaders

The new year is just around the corner and that means one thing: it’s time to make New Year’s resolutions! But what exactly can a freelance proofreader resolve to do? We have a few suggestions for New Year’s resolutions proofreaders and editors might want to try.

1. Improve Your Time Management

Freelancers are usually in charge of setting their own schedules. And we’ve all had times where we wonder what we have to show for a whole day of work. But with a little effort, you can manage your time effectively to increase productivity and reduce stress.

Ideas you might want to try include:

• Using time management apps to make the most of the time you have available.
• Having a regular routine in which you work for a set time every day.
• Blocking distracting apps and websites while you’re working.

Even a few small changes can make a big difference over time.

2. Declutter Your Workspace

We’re not sure we entirely agree with the phrase “tidy desk, tidy mind.” But if you’re working amid a pile of style guides, food wrappers, and assorted stationery, you might not be operating at full efficiency. And, therefore, it may be time to think about decluttering!

Try to get into the habit of tidying your workspace each day after you finish. That way, when you come to work the next morning, everything will be where you need it to be.

Comfort is important, too, so make sure your setup allows for this. Investing in a quality chair will not only boost your productivity, but also save you from unnecessary back pain!

3. Take Regular Breaks

Working freelance from home means nobody is going to force you to take a lunch break. And this can make it tempting to power on through the entire day. But this is never wise!

Regular breaks are important for maintaining concentration, which is an essential skill for proofreading. And working non-stop will inevitably lead to burnout eventually.

Instead, include breaks in your schedule and don’t be tempted to skip them. Stepping away from the computer a few times a day will reduce stress and improve the quality of your work.

4. Learn to Say “No”

When you’re your own boss, it’s hard to say “no.” And when you’re working freelance, without regular hours or income, turning down work can seem like a big decision.

But it’s important to say “no” now and then. If you’ve already got a deadline looming, taking on another job at the same time may mean you rush both. And even the most dedicated pedant needs time off now and then to recuperate or spend time with friends and family.

To avoid burnout, then, make sure you’re realistic about the work you take on.

5. Sign Up for the Becoming A Proofreader Course

Of course, the best way to ensure your proofreading is up to scratch is to take our Becoming A Proofreader course! Plus, if you complete both Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor, you’ll get a chance to work for Proofed. Sign up for two free lessons today to see how the courses work and give your proofreading career a head start in the new year.

Related posts:

A Quick Guide to DOIs and URLs Editing Tools: How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word Numeric Citations in ACS Referencing The Fourth Wise Man (a Christmas Proofreading Story)