Proofreading Tips

Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced proofreader, there’s always something new to learn. That’s where our blogs come in! We've got expert advice on spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, proofreading different types of writing (from creative to business and academic), and much more!

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    When Can You Use the First Person in Academic Writing?

    When Can You Use the First Person in Academic Writing?

    Dec 05, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Many students are taught not to use the first person in academic writing. But is it always the case that you shouldn’t? And when should a proofreader change or comment on the point of view in scholarly work? In this post, we’ll explain the basics, including: For more advice on all of the above, read […]

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    5 Tips to Help You Proofread Well

    5 Tips to Help You Proofread Well

    Dec 04, 2021

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Skills And Experience

    Being a freelance proofreader has many benefits, but it’s not easy. You can know all about spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing styles, and so on, but that doesn’t necessarily make you a good proofreader. That’s why sometimes it can be useful to rethink your processes to help you work better. In this post, we’ll introduce five […]

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A Proofreader’s Guide to E.g. and I.e.

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    Proofreading Tips: Noun and Verb Spelling Differences

    Nov 25, 2021

    • Dialects
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    Correcting spelling mistakes is key for any proofreader. But certain errors are easy to miss! This is especially true when it comes to noun and verb spelling differences, partly because they often vary by dialect. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at three cases where the noun and verb forms of a word […]

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    Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction?

    Nov 21, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    As a proofreader, you need to be able to spot and fix grammatical errors. You may have been taught that starting a sentence with a conjunction is one of these errors, but this is in fact a common grammar myth! In this post, we’ll explain what a coordinating conjunction is and why you probably don’t […]

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    5 Tips for Proofreading Large Documents

    Nov 18, 2021

    • Proofreading Tips

    When it comes to proofreading documents with high word counts, is the name of the game. The extended periods of concentration and stiff deadlines associated with big documents can put proofreaders under pressure. However, effective planning will help you deliver quality work. When proofreading large documents, we recommend that you: Get familiar with the document […]

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    What to Do with Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers

    Nov 14, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    Dangling and misplaced modifiers are common grammar mistakes. In this post, we’ll talk you through how to spot and correct these errors as a proofreader. What Is a Modifier? In grammatical terms, a modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes, clarifies, or alters) another word or phrase within a sentence. A modifier might […]

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    Editing Tips: Editing IMRaD Essays

    Nov 11, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    If you do a lot of academic editing or proofreading, chances are you will come across an IMRaD essay. Indeed, you may have worked on several without even knowing it! The term IMRaD stands for Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, which is a method of structuring essays. It’s worth yourself with this structure because it’s […]

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    Proofreading Tips: Parentheses and Square Brackets in Chicago Style

    Nov 07, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation
    • Style

    Parentheses and square brackets are punctuation marks used to set off certain bits of information from the main text in a document. They’re not too tricky, but different style guides can have slightly different rules for their usage. And, as a proofreader, you’ll need to check your client’s writing against these rules. This post, then, […]

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    Proofreading Tips: Dos and Don'ts for Proofreading Academic Writing

    Proofreading Tips: Dos and Don'ts for Proofreading Academic Writing

    Nov 04, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Academic proofreading is a common source of work for many freelancers. However, there are some specific rules and requirements for proofreading academic documents that set them apart from other types of documents. With that in mind, we’ve put together five dos and don’ts for proofreading academic writing: Do correct informal language. Don’t change the content. […]

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    Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Scare Quotes

    Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Scare Quotes

    Oct 31, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    As a proofreader, what scares you the most? If scare quotes are the spookiest things you can think of, don’t worry. It might be Halloween, but there’s no reason to fear them! As long as you know what they are and when it’s appropriate to use them, you’ll know exactly what to do when they […]

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