Proofreading and Editing Tips

Whether you’re just getting started or are a seasoned proofreader or editor, there’s always something new to learn. That’s where our blogs come in. They’re packed with expert views, hints and hacks on everything from grammatical curiosities to formatting shortcuts and can’t-live-without tools.

  • Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?

    Does Punctuation Go Inside or Outside of Quotation Marks?

    Mar 25, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Dialects
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Punctuation

    As if the differences between UK and US English spelling weren’t tricky enough, several other variations between the two dialects also exist, such as how quotations are written. In addition, the guidelines that dictate whether the punctuation goes inside or outside of quotation marks depend on the dialect you’re writing or proofreading in.  While neither […]

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  • How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

    How to Use Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions

    Mar 20, 2023

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Punctuation

    Coordinating conjunctions can be confusing for new proofreaders, especially when commas are involved. We’re here to make things clear for you with our guide to using commas with coordinating conjunctions. What Is a Coordinating Conjunction? Coordinating conjunctions are words that join words, phrases, or clauses together. We have seven coordinating conjunctions in English, which can […]

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What Are Dependent and Independent Clauses?

  • 11 Uncommon Punctuation Marks (and How to Use Them)

    Mar 13, 2023

    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Punctuation

    There’s no doubt about it: punctuation is an integral part of writing. We use it to mark pauses, pose questions, emphasize certain ideas, and clarify meaning. You’ll already be familiar with the usual suspects – periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, and so on – but did you know there are some weird and wonderful […]

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  • How to Use Ellipses in Writing (With Examples)

    Mar 06, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Punctuation

    Ellipses, also known as “dot, dot, dot,” are a type of punctuation with many purposes. In this guide, we explore what ellipses are and how you can help your clients make the most of them in their writing. What Is an Ellipsis? An ellipsis is a form of punctuation consisting of three dots (or periods): […]

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  • How to Become a Book Editor

    Mar 04, 2023

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Freelance Tips
    • Skills and Experience

    If you’ve always dreamed of being a book editor, this guide is for you. Here, we provide an overview of the different roles available for book editors, as well as tips on how to land your ideal career. What Does a Book Editor Do? First things first: What does being a book editor actually involve?  […]

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  • Proofreading Tips: How to Save Your Revisions in Microsoft Word

    Feb 27, 2023

    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Software and Tools

    To work as a freelance proofreader, it’s essential that you know the basics of popular word processing software such as Microsoft Word. One of the Microsoft Word tools that proofreaders use is the Compare feature, which allows you to generate both a Clean copy and a Track Changes copy to return to the client. Does […]

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  • How to Find the Best Proofreading Courses Online

    Feb 26, 2023

    • Freelance Tips
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Skills and Experience

    If you’re interested in a career in proofreading, you’ll need to make sure you have the right skills. That’s where online proofreading courses come in. Luckily, there are lots of different courses available online. But how do you make sure you pick the best one?  We’ll start with an introduction to proofreading, and then we’ll […]

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  • What Is Copy Editing?

    Feb 25, 2023

    • Editing Tips

    Copy editing is an important part of the editing process. But what does it actually mean and involve? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and show you how you can start your copy-editing career. What Is Copy Editing? Copy editing refers to the act of correcting errors in a piece of writing or copy. […]

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  • British vs. American English: -Ise or -Ize?

    British vs. American English: -Ise or -Ize?

    Feb 20, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Dialects
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Spelling

    The verb endings “-ise” and “-ize” often get confused. Usually, the correct ending depends on which English dialect your client is using. Here’s our guide on using these spellings in British and American English and what you need to consider when proofreading.  British vs. American Spelling For the most part, American English uses the spelling […]

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  • How to Cite Translated Works in APA Style

    How to Cite Translated Works in APA Style

    Feb 18, 2023

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading and Editing Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    Let’s talk about APA references! You may feel confident citing straightforward sources – but what do you do if you come across something that’s not as common?  If you’re conducting research or editing an academic text, you may come across a work that’s been translated from a different language. It’s important to know how to […]

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