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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A Proofreader’s Guide to Straight and Curly Quotes
A Proofreader’s Guide to Straight and Curly Quotes
Oct 28, 2021
Quotation marks may seem simple, but if you’ve got a keen eye as all good proofreaders should you might notice some variety in these little symbols. In fact, quotes come in two distinct styles: straight and curly (or ). In this post, then, we’ll explain: The difference between straight and curly quotes. How to toggle […]
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Proofreading Tips: How to Proofread Quotations
Proofreading Tips: How to Proofread Quotations
Oct 23, 2021
Academic writing accounts for a significant portion of many freelance proofreaders’ work. And, along with some other non-fiction, academic writing often relies heavily on quotations. It is thus important to know how to proofread quotations. In this post, we give an overview of things to consider when proofreading quotations in academic or other non-fiction writing. […]
Proofreading Tips: Numbers in AP Style
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Proofreading Tips: State Abbreviations in AP Style
Sep 26, 2021
The Associated Press is a popular style guide for public-facing corporate communication. Proofreaders will most likely encounter it while working with journalists or PR specialists in the US. And the AP Stylebook has some pretty specific rules for abbreviations, including state abbreviations. As a proofreader, then, you should be on the lookout for any instances […]
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Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Proofreaders
Sep 25, 2021
If you’re a freelance proofreader, you’ll likely spend a lot of time using a laptop or computer. And knowing some keyboard shortcuts can make your life much easier when proofreading a document. Plus, the faster you can proofread, the more you can earn! In this post, we’ll take you through a few useful keyboard shortcuts, […]
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Proofreading Tips: What to Do With Comma Splices
Sep 23, 2021
A good proofreader will know how to spot and correct common punctuation errors. One of the most common of these is the comma splice. But what exactly are comma splices, and how can you fix them? Read on to find out more. What Are Comma Splices? A comma splice is what happens when two independent […]
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5 Commonly Confused Words to Look Out for While Proofreading
Aug 28, 2021
If you’re a proofreader, you’ll most likely find it easy to spot common spelling mistakes and typos. But some words might still catch you out from time to time. In this post, then, we’re looking at five commonly confused words that proofreaders should keep an eye out for. Becoming A Proofreader Have you got an […]
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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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Proofreading Tips: How to Annotate a PDF
Jul 22, 2021
As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to proofread a PDF at some point. And if you’re used to the tools in Microsoft Word, the process for marking up a different type of document can seem daunting. Once you get the hang of it, though, proofreading a PDF is simple. In this post, we’ll […]
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Dos and Don'ts for New Proofreaders
Dos and Don'ts for New Proofreaders
Jul 18, 2021
You’ve brushed up on your grammar, read the dictionary cover to cover, and you want to become a proofreader. Good start! But while good grammar and spelling is essential, sometimes it’s small mistakes that trip up new proofreaders. To help you avoid common mistakes, we’ve compiled our top five dos and don’ts for new proofreaders: […]
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A Guide to Referencing and Religious Texts
A Guide to Referencing and Religious Texts
Jul 17, 2021
Religious texts, whether published as books or accessed online, often play by different rules when it comes to referencing. So, as a proofreader, you’ll need to pay particular attention to referencing if your client is citing the Bible, the Quran, or any other sacred text. Here, we set out the rules for citing religious texts […]