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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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. […]
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Proofreading and Diacritics in English
Published Apr 19, 2020
Last Updated Feb 29, 2024Diacritics – sometimes known as accents – are used in writing to tell us how to pronounce a word. But do we really use diacritics in English? Do you need to worry about diacritic marks when proofreading? And, if so, how do you add them in Microsoft Word? Let us explain! How Do Diacritics Work […]
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What to Do with the Singular They
Published Apr 05, 2020
Last Updated May 16, 2023Becoming A Proofreader Are you interested in becoming a freelance proofreader, but not sure where to begin? Our comprehensive Becoming A Proofreader course is a great place to start! Sign up for a free trial and try it out today.
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Freelance Proofreading Tips: The Client’s Brief
Published Mar 19, 2020
Last Updated Apr 21, 2025As a freelance proofreader and editor, your work may range from making major changes to a document to fixing typos and other minor errors. And this variability is why you need to agree on a clear brief with each client. But what is a brief? And what might it cover? Understanding the Client’s Brief In […]
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Style Guides for Proofreading and Editing
Published Feb 10, 2020
Last Updated May 27, 2025Style guides are crucial for proofreading and editing. As a freelancer, you may come to depend on them quite heavily! After all, a good style guide will tell you everything you need to know to edit a document, from spelling preferences to favored citation style. But which style guides do you need? And where can […]
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Copy Editing vs. Proofreading: What You Need to Know
Published Feb 06, 2020
Last Updated Mar 25, 2025Copy editing and proofreading are both types of editing that take place toward the end of the writing process to get a text ready for publication. But while these terms are often used interchangeably, they aren’t quite the same thing. To make matters even more confusing, many freelance editors offer a blend of both services. […]
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Should You Edit Citations and References?
Published Jan 27, 2020
Last Updated Jun 02, 2025You need to know your referencing systems if you’re proofreading academic documents. Knowadays covers several major referencing styles to this end, but we’re often asked how far an editor should go with citations. The answer is But that isn’t a very helpful answer, so we’ll look more at how to edit references and citations below. […]
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5 Top Tips for Giving Great Feedback on a Document
5 Top Tips for Giving Great Feedback on a Document
Published Jan 23, 2020
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024Knowadays is about more than just grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It’s about how you can help clients produce excellent writing, which often involves leaving feedback. But how should you comment on a document you’re editing? Let’s find out.
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What to Do with Tentative Language
What to Do with Tentative Language
Published Jan 13, 2020
Last Updated Nov 18, 2024Tentative language – also known as – is a common feature of many types of writing. But what exactly do we mean by tentative language? And what should you do if you encounter hedging when editing or proofreading a document? In this post, we explain all. What Do We Mean by Hedging? If a document […]