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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How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility
How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility
Jan 14, 2023
As an editor, you may be tasked with editing a document to improve accessibility. But what exactly does this involve? In this post, we’ll take you through what accessibility means in writing and our top tips for editing text with accessibility in mind. What Is Accessibility in Writing? Accessibility is the process of making sure […]
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What Is an Epigraph? (And How to Format One)
What Is an Epigraph? (And How to Format One)
Jan 02, 2023
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 […]
A Complete Guide to Formatting Tools in Microsoft Word
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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
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 […]
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Editing Tips: Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts
Feb 21, 2021
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
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: What Are Word Divisions?
Aug 09, 2020
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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Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word
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
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 […]