Formatting
In these posts, we look at issues related to formatting a document that you may encounter as a proofreader. Our aim is for this to include tips on a range of programs and file types, helping you to format everything from Microsoft Word documents to PDFs. We will also look at how to use various software packages that are useful for editors and proofreaders.
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5 Questions to Ask When Editing a Listicle
5 Questions to Ask When Editing a Listicle
Aug 03, 2022
If you edit articles or blog posts for business clients, at some point you’ll probably need to edit one of the most popular formats out there nowadays – the listicle. As the name suggests, a listicle is a piece of writing that organizes its sections as a numbered list – just like this post, in […]
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Proofreading Tips: How to Fix Ghost Formatting in MS Word
Proofreading Tips: How to Fix Ghost Formatting in MS Word
Aug 01, 2021
When working as a proofreader, you might find that some clients ask you to correct the formatting of a document. But have you ever come across a layout issue in Microsoft Word that seems impossible to fix? If so, you may have experienced the spectre of ghost formatting. This post will explain what this means […]
Editing Tips: Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts
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When to Use Italics for Non-English Words
Feb 11, 2021
In English-language writing, words from other languages are often presented in italics. As a proofreader, you may therefore need to check that such words are presented correctly. Becoming A Proofreader The Becoming A Proofreader course covers everything you need to know to start working as a freelance proofreader! Sign up for a free trial today […]
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Editing Tips: Typographic Rivers Explained
Jan 17, 2021
When proofreading a typeset text, such as page proofs for a book, you may need to keep an eye out for rivers. No, we don’t mean bodies of water. We mean gaps in the text. To find out what rivers are and what to do with them, check out our guide below. Rivers in Text […]
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Editing Tips: Widows and Orphans Explained
Sep 20, 2020
As a proofreader, if you work with a publisher, they might ask you to look out for widows and orphans in a typeset text. But this can be tricky, as not everyone uses these words in the same way! In this post, then, we’ll explain the basics, includingRead on below to find out what to […]
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Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word
Jun 25, 2020
The spellchecker in Microsoft Word cannot replace expert proofreading, but it can be a useful tool for proofreaders. We look at this in our Becoming A Proofreader course. However, to make the most of this tool, you need to understand the proofing options in Microsoft Word. How to Access the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word […]
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A Guide to Proofreading LaTeX Documents
Jun 21, 2020
If you do a lot of academic proofreading, you will almost certainly encounter LaTeX at some point. And no, this doesn’t have anything to do with rubber gloves or clothing! To find out about the LaTeX system and what you need to know as proofreader, check out our guide below. What Is LaTeX? LaTeX (pronounced […]
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Proofreading and Diacritics in English
Apr 19, 2020
Diacritics – sometimes known as accents – are used in writing to tell us how to pronounce a word. But do we really use diacritics in English? Do you need to worry about diacritic marks when proofreading? And, if so, how do you add them in Microsoft Word? Let us explain! How Do Diacritics Work […]
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Formatting Titles in Academic Documents
Formatting Titles in Academic Documents
May 18, 2018
Although proofreading and formatting are different, they overlap in some respects. For instance, when an essay names a source in the text, it is standard for the proofreader to ensure its title is appropriately formatted. Let’s take a look at how formatting titles works. Italics and Quote Marks Formatting titles in the text of a […]
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Top 5 Formatting Tips
Top 5 Formatting Tips
Mar 15, 2018
If there’s one thing that this blog has said ad nauseam, it’s that being a proofreader isn’t just about having good spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Take formatting, for example. It’s not proofreading, but a lot of jobs aimed at proofreaders require it and a lot of employers will expect you to format documents professionally. For […]