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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Hyphens and Dashes in AMA Style
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
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 […]
How to Create a Custom Shortcut in Microsoft Word
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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?
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 […]
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Proofreading Checklist: Student Essay
Published May 09, 2021
Last Updated Jun 03, 2025Academic proofreading can be a great source of work for freelancers. But what should you look for when proofreading a student essay? In this essay proofreading checklist, we set out the issues that often affect essays, from basic typos to errors with citations and formatting. Mechanical Issues in Student Essays No matter the document type, […]
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Proofreading Tips: Prepositions in Title Case
Published May 02, 2021
Last Updated Jun 25, 2024In title case – a common approach to styling titles and headings – the first letters of the main words in a title are prepositions in titles. Title Case and Prepositions If you want to know more, sign up for a free trial of the course today!
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A Quick Guide to Dates in MHRA Style
Published Apr 29, 2021
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024The Modern Humanities Research Association’s style guide (or MHRA style) is frequently used in the arts and humanities, particularly in the UK. We have covered referencing in MHRA style before, but here we’re going to look at how to present dates in MHRA style. Read on below to find out what to look for when […]
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How to Use the Compare Tool in Google Docs for Proofreading
Published Apr 25, 2021
Last Updated Jan 26, 2026Google Docs includes a tool that lets you compare two documents. And this can be useful for proofreaders, especially if you forget to use the Suggest Edits function when working on a document. In this blog post, then, we’ll first set out how to use the compare tool in Google Docs, then we’ll look at […]
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Editing Tips: What Is Alphabet Soup?
Editing Tips: What Is Alphabet Soup?
Published Apr 18, 2021
Last Updated Jun 26, 2024A dedicated proofreader will have an appetite for all kinds of text. But if there’s one literary meal that no editor or proofreader likes to see, it’s alphabet soup. What is alphabet soup in a writing context, though? And why is it a problem? In this post, we explain the basics and what to do […]
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Editing Tips: Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism
Editing Tips: Prescriptivism vs. Descriptivism
Published Apr 15, 2021
Last Updated May 16, 2023As a proofreader, you may come across the terms prescriptivism and descriptivism. Each refers to a way of thinking about language. But what are the differences? In short: Prescriptivism takes language to be governed by formal rules. usage depends on following these rules. Descriptivism focuses on observing how language is used rather than imposing rules. […]