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!

  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-A-Proofreaders-Introduction-to-IEEE-Style.jpg

    A Proofreader's Introduction to IEEE Style

    A Proofreader's Introduction to IEEE Style

    Mar 25, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    The IEEE Editorial Style Manual for Authors provides advice for anyone writing for an IEEE journal or publication. However, many technical writers and educational institutions also use IEEE style, so it is worth knowing the basics if you proofread technical writing. Here, we look at some key aspects of IEEE style that proofreaders should know. […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-5-More-Misused-Phrases-to-Look-Out-for-While-Proofreading_21F_.jpg

    5 More Misused Phrases to Look Out for While Proofreading

    5 More Misused Phrases to Look Out for While Proofreading

    Mar 21, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips

    As a proofreader, you need to be on the lookout for misspelled words and phrases. To help you on this count, we previously looked at five commonly misused phrases. But there are plenty more to look out for! In this post, we’ll take you through five more. 1. Wet Your Appetite (Whet Your Appetite) The phrase […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading and Editing Tips: A Proofreader’s Guide to Latin Plural Word Endings

    A Proofreader’s Guide to Latin Plural Word Endings

    Mar 07, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling
    • Vocabulary Tips

    From abacus to virus, lots of English nouns have origins in Latin. These words can pose a challenge for proofreaders, though, as many have two plural forms. Here, we’ll look at: Some common Latin plural word endings. The difference between traditional and English Latin plurals. The exceptions to the rules. Common Latin Plural Word Endings […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-A-Quick-Guide-to-Dates-and-Times-in-MLA-Style.jpg

    A Quick Guide to Dates and Times in MLA Style

    Feb 28, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    Among many other things, the MLA Handbook (8th edition) has advice on writing dates and times. But what do you need to know about dates and times to proofread academic writing? In this post, we’ll explain the basics of dates and times in MLA style. Dates in the Main Text If an author uses a […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-A-Proofreaders-Guide-to-Conjunctive-Adverbs_21F_.jpg

    A Proofreader's Guide to Conjunctive Adverbs

    Feb 25, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    Conjunctive adverbs are a useful way of linking sentences and clauses in writing. However, the rules for punctuating conjunctive adverbs can be confusing. As a proofreader, then, you may need to look for issues with these terms. In this post, we’ll explain what you need to know. Linking Sentences with a Conjunctive Adverb Conjunctive adverbs […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-Scene-Breaks-in-Books-and-Manuscripts-1.png

    Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts

    Feb 21, 2021

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    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 […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading-and-Editing-Tips_-Academic-Proofreading_-A-Quick-Guide-to-Bekker-Numbers.jpg

    A Quick Guide to Bekker Numbers

    Feb 14, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    Aristotle is one of the most important thinkers in the history of Western philosophy. Thus, if you proofread academic work, you may encounter Bekker numbers at some point. But what is Bekker pagination? And what do you need to know about it as a proofreader? Let’s take a look. What Are Bekker Numbers? Aristotle – […]

    Read more
  • When-to-Use-Italics-for-Non-English-Words_21F_.jpg

    When to Use Italics for Non-English Words

    Feb 11, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Formatting
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    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 […]

    Read more
  • Referencing-Style-or-System_-A-Guide-for-the-Confused.jpg

    Referencing Style or System? A Guide for the Confused

    Referencing Style or System? A Guide for the Confused

    Feb 04, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    In the Becoming A Proofreader course, we look at referencing styles and systems. But what is the distinction between a referencing style and a system? We use these terms as follows: A referencing style is a generic approach to citing sources ( Harvard, Oxford, Vancouver). However, there may be several versions or variations of any […]

    Read more
  • Proofreading and Editing Tips: How to Proofread Executive Summaries

    How to Proofread Executive Summaries

    How to Proofread Executive Summaries

    Jan 28, 2021

    • Business Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Executive summaries are key business documents, allowing busy professionals to learn vital information at a glance. But what goes into a good executive summary? And how do you proofread one effectively? Check out our guide to executive summaries to find out. What Is an Executive Summary? Ideally, decision makers at a company will read reports […]

    Read more