Editing Tips

From complete beginners to experienced editors, our blog has something for everyone! Learn about the different types of editing – developmental, comprehensive, line, and copy editing – and read our expert advice on editing all different types of documents (including business, creative, and academic).

  • Proofreading Tips: Editing Gendered Language

    Proofreading Tips: Editing Gendered Language

    Jan 24, 2021

    • Editing Tips
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Many companies and individuals now aim to make their writing gender neutral. And, as a proofreader, you may have to help them achieve this. In this post, we’re going to look at some common examples of gendered language you may need to watch out for: The gendered pronoun being used as a neutral or default […]

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  • Microsoft Word Tips: Track Changes vs. Compare

    Microsoft Word Tips: Track Changes vs. Compare

    Dec 27, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    When proofreading a document in Microsoft Word, you have two main methods available for recording the edits you make. These are: Using Track Changes to record edits as you make them. Editing the document and then using Compare to highlight the changes. We cover both methods in detail in the Becoming A Proofreader course. Here, […]

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  • Proofreading Resources: Books on Proofreading and Editing

    Sep 10, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Resources
    • Proofreading Tips

    Becoming an outstanding proofreader and editor takes work and training, but you knew that already. Reading books on proofreading and editing is a handy way to further refine your craft. Here are some great choices to add to your list of essential resources. Grammar and Punctuation Guides Grammar and punctuation guides look at how the […]

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  • Editing Tools: How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word

    Aug 23, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    Track Changes is a key tool for proofreading in Microsoft Word. And if you want to work as a proofreader, you’ll need to know how it works. In this post, then, we’re going to run you through the basics of how to use Track Changes when editing a document in Microsoft Word. What Is Track […]

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  • Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word

    Jun 25, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    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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  • Proofreading and Diacritics in English

    Apr 19, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    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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  • An Editing and Proofreading Glossary

    Apr 09, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    If you want to become a proofreader, it helps to know the lingo. And as with any industry, editing and proofreading has its own terminology. Check out the glossary below to learn a few key terms that you would need to know to become a proofreader or editor. Copy Editing Copy editing typically involves refining […]

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  • 5 Brilliant Quotes About Editing

    Mar 12, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Freelance Resources

    Compared to authors, proofreaders and editors rarely make any headlines. But proofreading and editing is essential to great writing! And we’ve found a few quotes we think capture this. 1. Russell Lynes – Editing Is Necessary The editor and publisher Russell Lynes is quoted as saying: No author dislikes to be edited as much as […]

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  • Substantive vs. Mechanical Editing: What You Need to Know

    Substantive vs. Mechanical Editing: What You Need to Know

    Feb 24, 2020

    • Editing Tips

    What does editing involve? Well, that all depends on the type of editing and who you ask. But to keep things simple, we’ll focus on two main categories: Substantive Editing – Focuses on the document as a whole, not the small details. It may involve making major changes to a text, including to its structure […]

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  • Copy Editing vs. Proofreading: What You Need to Know

    Copy Editing vs. Proofreading: What You Need to Know

    Feb 06, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Professional
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    In the publishing world, copy editing and proofreading both take place toward the end of the editing process. However, these terms are tricky to pin down. And to confuse matters further, many freelance editors offer a mix of both. But there is a distinction between the two, so let’s look at what makes copy editing […]

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