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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Editing Tips: Fact-Checking Fiction
Editing Tips: Fact-Checking Fiction
Published Jul 03, 2021
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024Fiction is all about the suspension of disbelief, and factual errors can be distracting. Thus, when editing or proofreading a novel, you might need to raise issues of factual accuracy for your client, especially when a work of fiction is set in the real world. In this post, then, we set out some tips on […]
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Proofreading Tips: Punctuation in MHRA Style
Proofreading Tips: Punctuation in MHRA Style
Published Jul 01, 2021
Last Updated Jun 26, 2024The MHRA Style Guide is often used in the humanities, especially in the UK. But what does a proofreader need to know when working on a document that follows this style? In this post, we will look at the rules for punctuation in MHRA style, including: General guidelines about the overall punctuation conventions in MHRA […]
Proofreading Checklist: Thesis or Dissertation
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How to Capitalize Titles in APA Style
Published Jun 20, 2021
Last Updated Dec 16, 2024The APA Publication Manual is widely used in academic writing, especially in the social and behavioral sciences. If you’re proofreading this type of writing, you need to know how to format titles of works (e.g., books or papers your client mentions) in APA style. Here, then, we’ll offer some advice for proofreaders on the following: […]
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A Proofreader’s Guide to Dates in AP Style
Published Jun 13, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023The Associated Press Stylebook is the go-to style guide for many writers, news outlets, and businesses. And if your clients use AP style, you’ll need to know how it works. With that in mind, here we’ll look at what proofreaders should know about dates in AP style, including: The basic date format (and when you […]
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5 Easy-To-Miss Apostrophe Errors
Published Jun 10, 2021
Last Updated Oct 07, 2024A good proofreader will always check for apostrophe errors. And, as a proofreader, you should know the basics of how this punctuation mark works already. However, some apostrophe errors are easier to miss! In this post, we will explore five easy-to-miss errors to look out for: Exceptions to the rules about possessives and words that […]
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Hyphens and Dashes in AMA Style
Published Jun 06, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023The AMA Manual of Style (11th edition) is an academic style guide widely used in the medical sciences. As an academic proofreader, then, you may need to learn the basics of this style. And, having previously introduced the AMA referencing system, this post will focus on how to use hyphens and dashes in AMA style. […]
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How to Capitalize Titles in AP Style
Published May 30, 2021
Last Updated Dec 16, 2024AP style – as set out in The Associated Press Stylebook – is commonly used in business writing and journalism. But did you know that the AP Stylebook has advice on how to present titles of works, such as books, films, and musical compositions? It’s important to be aware of these rules so you know […]
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How to Create a Custom Shortcut in Microsoft Word
Published May 27, 2021
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024The keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word can be useful when proofreading, giving you quick access to common commands. But what about when a command you need doesn’t have a shortcut? The solution is to create a custom keyboard shortcut or two. For example, rather than switching between All Markup and Simple Markup via the ribbon […]
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Punctuation in Other Languages (And Why It Matters for Proofreaders)
Punctuation in Other Languages (And Why It Matters for Proofreaders)
Published May 20, 2021
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024Proofreaders are (or should be!) familiar with how common punctuation marks are used in English. But punctuation marks and conventions differ between languages. As a result, when working with ESL clients, you might spot some unusual punctuation in a document. If you do see non-English punctuation in a document, you will need to correct it […]
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Editing Tips: Does a Comma Indicate a Pause?
Editing Tips: Does a Comma Indicate a Pause?
Published May 13, 2021
Last Updated Nov 20, 2024One of the first things most people learn about commas is that they indicate a pause. And most writers add a comma wherever they would also pause in speech. When proofreading, though, you need to be more discerning. So, when does a comma indicate a pause? And what else do you need to know as […]
