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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How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word
How to Use Track Changes in Microsoft Word
Published Aug 23, 2020
Last Updated Sep 12, 2025Track Changes is a key tool for proofreading in Microsoft Word. And if you want to work as a proofreader, you’ll need to know how it works. In this post, then, we’re going to run you through the basics of how to use Track Changes when editing a document in Microsoft Word. What Is Track […]
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Is AI a Threat to Proofreading Jobs?
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?
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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
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 […]
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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
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
A Guide to Proofreading LaTeX Documents
Published Jun 21, 2020
Last Updated Jan 05, 2026If you do a lot of academic proofreading, you’re likely to come across LaTeX documents at some point. LaTeX (pronounced “lay-tech”) is commonly used in scientific and technical writing, especially for papers that include equations or complex formatting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about proofreading LaTeX documents – […]
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How to Format a Block Quote
How to Format a Block Quote
Published Jun 18, 2020
Last Updated Jan 30, 2026How to format a block quote is a common question for anyone working with academic or formal writing. Most referencing styles have specific rules about when and how to use block quotations – and while you typically wouldn’t edit the content of a quote, you do need to ensure it’s presented correctly. In this post, […]