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!

  • What Are Trigger Words? (And How to Use Them in Writing)

    How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing

    How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing

    Nov 28, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Style guides are a vital resource for any proofreader or editor. But not every client will have one. And in some cases, you may need to create a custom style sheet when editing a document. But when do you need to create a style sheet? And what should it include? What Is a Style Guide? […]

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  • What Are Proofreading Marks? A Beginner's Guide

    What Are Proofreading Marks? A Beginner's Guide

    Nov 23, 2023

    • Proofreading Resources
    • Proofreading Tips

    If you’re considering a career as a proofreader or editor, you should be aware of proofreading marks. Although most proofreading and editing is now done via a computer in a program like Microsoft Word, you may need to use proofreading marks if a client wants you to work on paper. In this blog post, we […]

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Proofreading Resources: Online Dictionaries

  • Editing Tips: Widows and Orphans Explained

    Nov 16, 2023

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips

    As a proofreader, if you work with a publisher, they might ask you to look out for widows and orphans in a typeset text. But this can be tricky, as not everyone uses these words in the same way! In this post, then, we’ll explain the basics, including: Read on below to find out what […]

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  • How to Proofread Resumes and CVs

    Nov 14, 2023

    • Business Editing
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to check resumes and CVs. These documents come in many types, so it is worth knowing how they work so you can proofread them effectively.  In this blog post we’re going to explain: The difference between a resume and a CV The three most common types of […]

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  • How Long Should a Sentence Be?

    Nov 10, 2023

    • Proofreading Tips

    Have you ever wondered how long a sentence should be? Sentence length plays a crucial role in conveying a message effectively. Finding the right balance between conciseness and detail can make or break your content. As a proofreader or editor, you may need to support your clients in adjusting the length of their sentences. In […]

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  • A Guide to Citing Shakespeare in Academic Writing

    Nov 09, 2023

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

    Are you confident when it comes to citing Shakespeare? Shakespeare’s plays are so influential that many style guides have special rules for citing them. As a proofreader, you’ll need to look out for citations like these when working on academic writing and make sure they have been added correctly.  If you’re not sure how to […]

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  • How to Use Google Ngram Viewer While Proofreading

    Nov 07, 2023

    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Google offers many tools that a proofreader or editor can use. One of the most underappreciated is the Google Books Ngram Viewer, which you can use to see how common certain words are. So, how does the Ngram Viewer work? And how can you use it while proofreading and editing? What Is an N-gram? An […]

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  • What's the Difference Between Active and Passive Voice?

    Nov 05, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    What is the difference between active and passive voice? As a freelance proofreader or editor, you should be able to answer this question. Understanding the nuances of active and passive voice is a fundamental skill, but it is often overlooked, especially by newbie proofreaders. By grasping the distinction between the two, you can help your […]

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  • Halloween or Hallowe’en?

    Halloween or Hallowe’en?

    Oct 31, 2023

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation
    • Spelling

    Boo! Grab your masks, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is celebrated on October 31 in the US and other parts of the world. Though you’re probably familiar with the spelling Halloween, you might have come across an alternative spelling: Hallowe’en. In this post, we’ll talk about where […]

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  • How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    Oct 26, 2023

    • Academic Editing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    When proofreading, you might see the term sic used in a quotation. However, many people misuse this term or use it when there is an alternative available. As such, proofreaders and editors should make sure they know how and when to use this term in a quotation. In this blog post, we explore: What sic […]

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