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.

  • How to Offer Formatting Services as a Proofreader or Editor

    How to Offer Formatting Services as a Proofreader or Editor

    Jul 05, 2023

    • Finding Work
    • Formatting
    • Freelance Tips
    • Skills And Experience

    Offering formatting services can be an opportunity for you, a proofreader or editor, to expand your client base and increase your business earnings. However, before offering these services, you’ll want to ensure that you’re proficient in basic or advanced formatting tasks so you can accurately scope and promote your services and deliver a quality product. […]

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  • What’s the Difference Between Proofreading and Formatting?

    What’s the Difference Between Proofreading and Formatting?

    Jul 03, 2023

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips

    As a proofreader, you may encounter clients that request both proofreading and formatting services. These could be businesses that want their reports formatted in line with company standards, or graduate students who need their theses or dissertations formatted according to a particular academic style guide. But as a proofreader, should you provide formatting services? The […]

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How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility

  • What Is an Epigraph? (And How to Format One)

    Jan 02, 2023

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting

    When editing novels and other types of books, you may come across an epigraph or two. But what exactly is an epigraph, and how should you approach them as an editor? We’ll explain everything you must know about these literary devices, including the different ways to format them. What’s an Epigraph? An epigraph is a […]

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  • A Complete Guide to Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word

    Dec 04, 2022

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    Microsoft Word is a popular type of word processing software with a wide variety of features. As a freelance proofreader, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with its tools, as you’ll likely use them as part of your workflow.  While proofreading doesn’t always include formatting, many proofreaders offer it as an additional service. Microsoft […]

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  • 5 Questions to Ask When Editing a Listicle

    Aug 03, 2022

    • Business Editing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting

    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

    Aug 01, 2021

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    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 […]

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  • Editing Tips: Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts

    Feb 21, 2021

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    When a book is divided into sections, each chapter will typically start on a new page. But what about scene changes within a chapter? How do writers and publishers indicate a shift of perspective, time, or location? And what do you need to know about this as a proofreader? In this post, we take a […]

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  • When to Use Italics for Non-English Words

    Feb 11, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Formatting
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    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

    Editing Tips: Typographic Rivers Explained

    Jan 17, 2021

    • Formatting
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips

    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: What Are Word Divisions?

    Editing Tips: What Are Word Divisions?

    Aug 09, 2020

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style
    • Vocabulary Tips

    When proofreading a typeset text, such as the page proofs for a book, you may need to look for issues with word divisions. But what is a word division in proofreading? And how should proofreaders approach them when checking a document? In this post, we explain the basics. What Are Word Divisions? Part of typesetting […]

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