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!

  • 5 Tips for Proofreading Different English Dialects

    5 Tips for Proofreading Different English Dialects

    Nov 29, 2020

    • Common Errors
    • Dialects
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips

    One benefit of freelance proofreading is that you can work with clients all around the world. But this may mean you encounter English dialects that differ from the one you know best. And while this can pose challenges for proofreaders, we have a few tips that can help: Set the language preferences in your word […]

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  • Proofreading Tips: A Quick Guide to Canadian English

    Proofreading Tips: A Quick Guide to Canadian English

    Nov 22, 2020

    • Dialects
    • Proofreading Tips

    Canadian English combines aspects of both American and British English, as well as having its own purely Canadian terminology and usage. We’ve put together a quick guide to Canadian English for proofreaders to highlight general guidelines for working with this dialect. Canadian English Spelling Canadian English usually follows British spelling conventions. For instance: Canadian English: […]

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Proofreading Tips: Plagiarism and Copyright in Creative Writing

  • 5 Easy-to-Miss Quotation Mark Errors

    Nov 08, 2020

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    Among other things, a good proofreader will check documents for proper use of quotes and quotation marks. However, there are many easy-to-miss quotation mark errors, including 4. Smart Quotes vs. Straight Quotes In typography, quotation marks come in two styles: Smart (or curly) quote marks – These are standard in most writing now, and most […]

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  • A Quick Guide to Numbers in MLA Style

    Nov 05, 2020

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

    Your client might not know all the details of MLA style. As an academic proofreader, then, your work may involve checking that documents follow MLA conventions. Thus, in this post, we’re looking at how to present numbers in academic writing according to MLA style. Numbers in MLA: Numerals or Words? MLA style sets out two […]

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  • A Quick Guide to Citation Styles in CSE Referencing

    Oct 22, 2020

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

    If you edit a lot of scientific writing, you will likely encounter CSE referencing at some point. But this system can be confusing, as it actually permits three citation styles. In this guide, then, we’ll set out the basics of CSE referencing, including what to look out for as a proofreader. What Is CSE Referencing? […]

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  • Editing Tips: Stacks and Ladders Explained

    Oct 18, 2020

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Previously, we’ve looked at widows and orphans, which thankfully did not involve any husbands or parents dying. Today, we look at stacks and ladders, which will not involve any literal piling or climbing. What are these metaphorical stacks and ladders, then? And what do they have to do with proofreading? Check out our simple guide […]

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  • 5 Tips for Keeping Your Critical Distance While Proofreading

    Oct 15, 2020

    • Proofreading Tips

    It can be hard to focus on proofreading if you’re too involved in a text, or if you’ve made several passes already and you’re now too familiar with it to easily spot errors. But there are things you can do to maintain critical distance when proofreading, including: Change your perspective on the document by proofreading […]

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  • Editing Tips: Checking Your Sources Online

    Oct 04, 2020

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Resources
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations

    As a proofreader, you may need to look up information online, such as reference formats or jargon, when working on a document. And this makes the internet an invaluable resource. But the internet is also full of very dumb things. So, how can you be sure the information you’ve found is trustworthy? And what should […]

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  • Proofreading Tips: What Counts as Plagiarism in Academic Writing?

    Proofreading Tips: What Counts as Plagiarism in Academic Writing?

    Oct 01, 2020

    • Academic Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    To do their job well, academic proofreaders need to know what constitutes plagiarism. This is partly so they can help clients avoid it. But guidelines on academic plagiarism may also affect the kinds of services you can provide. With that in mind, here, we look at: What counts as plagiarism in academic writing. What proofreaders […]

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  • Specialist Citation Styles: What Is AIP Referencing?

    Specialist Citation Styles: What Is AIP Referencing?

    Sep 24, 2020

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

    Knowadays provides in-depth advice on academic proofreading, including outlining several major citation styles. But there are other specialist styles that you may encounter in your work. Today, for example, we’re taking a quick look at AIP referencing. What Is AIP Referencing? AIP referencing was created by the American Institute of Physics. It is often used […]

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