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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Specialist Systems: AMA Referencing
Specialist Systems: AMA Referencing
Published Jul 12, 2020
Last Updated Feb 03, 2025In our Becoming A Proofreader course, we look at some of the most widely used referencing systems, including APA, Chicago, MLA, and IEEE. But there are other systems available! In this post, for instance, we’re going to introduce the basics of AMA referencing. What Is AMA Referencing? AMA referencing is the citation style recommended by […]
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Editing Tips: How to Punctuate Dates
Editing Tips: How to Punctuate Dates
Published Jul 09, 2020
Last Updated Dec 31, 2024There are various ways to punctuate dates, and this can pose a challenge for proofreaders. When should you correct punctuation in dates in a document? And how does punctuating dates vary in different situations? In this post, we answer your punctuation questions. Punctuating Numerical Date Formats Commas Between Days and Years in Dates The US […]
A Guide to Secondary Citations (AMA, APA, Chicago and MLA)
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Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word
Published Jun 25, 2020
Last Updated Jan 02, 2025The spellchecker in Microsoft Word cannot replace expert proofreading, but it can be a useful tool for proofreaders. We look at this in our Becoming A Proofreader course. However, to make the most of this tool, you need to understand the proofing options in Microsoft Word. How to Access the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word […]
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A Guide to Proofreading LaTeX Documents
Published Jun 21, 2020
Last Updated Feb 04, 2025If you do a lot of academic proofreading, you will almost certainly encounter LaTeX at some point. And no, this doesn’t have anything to do with rubber gloves or clothing! To find out about the LaTeX system and what you need to know as proofreader, check out our guide below. What Is LaTeX? LaTeX (pronounced […]
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Editing Tips: How to Format Block Quotes
Published Jun 18, 2020
Last Updated Jul 06, 2024When proofreading academic writing, you may come across longer passages of quoted text. And while you would not usually edit quotations, most referencing systems require longer passages to be formatted as block quotes. In this post, we look at how that works. What Are Block Quotes? A block quote or block quotation is a quotation […]
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Is Fact-Checking Part of Proofreading?
Published Jun 14, 2020
Last Updated Jun 29, 2024As a freelance proofreader or editor, you may sometimes be asked to fact-check a document. But is fact-checking part of proofreading and editing? And what does it mean to fact-check something? In this post, we run you through the basics. Is Fact-Checking Part of Proofreading and Editing? As we’ve discussed elsewhere, the lines between proofreading […]
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Editing Tips: Punctuation in AP Style
Published Jun 07, 2020
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024AP style – as set out in The Associated Press Stylebook – provides advice on many elements of writing, including punctuation. But what do you need to know about punctuation in AP style to work as a freelance proofreader? Becoming A Proofreader If you’d like a try a sample module of our Becoming A Proofreader […]
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Editing Tips: A Quick Guide to Formal Writing
Published May 31, 2020
Last Updated Aug 07, 2023One key stylistic distinction for proofreading is between informal and formal writing. But what is formal writing? What makes it formal? And when should a document use a formal style? In this post, we look at what you need to know to work on formal documents. What Are the Key Stylistic Features of Formal Writing? […]
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A Quick Guide to DOIs and URLs
A Quick Guide to DOIs and URLs
Published May 17, 2020
Last Updated Dec 17, 2024Many referencing systems require a DOI or URL for online sources. But what exactly is the difference between DOIs and URLs? And how should you approach them as a proofreader? What Are DOIs and URLs? DOIs (digital object identifiers) and URLs (uniform resource locators) are both ways of linking to content online. So, what exactly […]
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Writing the Time: AM and PM or a.m. and p.m.?
Writing the Time: AM and PM or a.m. and p.m.?
Published May 14, 2020
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024AM and PM are terms used when writing times. However, there are a few different ways to write them, which can be tricky when proofreading. Should you just aim for consistency? Or is there a correct way to do it in certain contexts? In this post, we explore: What the terms AM and PM mean. […]
