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!
-
Date Formats: Little-Endian, Middle-Endian, Big-Endian
Date Formats: Little-Endian, Middle-Endian, Big-Endian
Published Aug 30, 2020
Last Updated Jul 02, 2025In the Becoming A Proofreader course, we look at how date formats differ between American English, British English, and Australian English. There are, though, more than three countries in the world, so it’s worth looking at regional date format variations more generally. Luckily, there are only three basic date format styles you need to know: […]
-
Editing Tips: Punctuation in APA Style
Editing Tips: Punctuation in APA Style
Published Aug 27, 2020
Last Updated Jun 26, 2024The APA Publication Manual is one of the principal academic style guides. And if you’re proofreading academic writing, especially in the social and Becoming A Proofreader Want to know more about style guides and proofreading? Then our Becoming A Proofreader course could be just what you’re looking for. Sign up for a free trial today […]
How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word
-
Is AI a Threat to Proofreading Jobs?
Published Aug 16, 2020
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024Is AI a threat to proofreading jobs? It is true that proofreading software is getting more sophisticated, now offering stylistic tips as well as flagging typos. But there are some things a human proofreader can do that a machine will always struggle with, including: Gauging whether the style and tone of a document are appropriate. […]
-
Editing Tips: What Are Word Divisions?
Published Aug 09, 2020
Last Updated Aug 07, 2023When proofreading a typeset text, such as the page proofs for a book, you may need to look for issues with word divisions. But what is a word division in proofreading? And how should proofreaders approach them when checking a document? In this post, we explain the basics. What Are Word Divisions? Part of typesetting […]
-
What Is ACS Referencing?
Published Aug 06, 2020
Last Updated May 27, 2025If you’re editing or proofreading academic writing about chemistry, you may need to know how the ACS referencing system works. But you might not have come across this citation style before unless you’re a chemist! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to take you through the essentials. What Is ACS Referencing? The “ACS” in […]
-
How To Use Punctuation in Chicago Style
Published Jul 23, 2020
Last Updated Mar 10, 2025The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) contains a lot of information on punctuation! Some is just to remind the reader of standard usage (e.g. that a sentence should end in a period). But as a proofreader, it pays to know the subtleties of punctuation in Chicago style. Periods and Abbreviations in Chicago Style When it […]
-
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 […]
-
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)
A Guide to Secondary Citations (AMA, APA, Chicago and MLA)
Published Jun 28, 2020
Last Updated May 16, 2023 -
Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word
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 […]