Style
Explore the nuances of style in writing. Find out how to use a style sheet, use different capitalization styles, write numbers (ten or 10?) – as well as a variety of other style considerations.
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Specialist Systems: AMA Referencing
Specialist Systems: AMA Referencing
Published Jul 12, 2020
Last Updated Feb 03, 2025In our proofreading course, Becoming A Proofreader, 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 […]
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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
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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, […]
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Editing Tips: Punctuation in AP Style
Published Jun 07, 2020
Last Updated Jul 23, 2025AP 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? In this post, we set out a few of the basics. AP Style on Periods and Abbreviations […]
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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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An Introduction to the AP Stylebook
Published Apr 23, 2020
Last Updated May 16, 2023The AP Stylebook is the go-to style guide for anyone working in journalism. But why is this guide so popular? And what do you need to know about it as a proofreader? Let’s take a look. What Is The Associated Press Stylebook? The Associated Press Stylebook is created by the Associated Press (AP), a major […]
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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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Proofreading Creative Writing
Proofreading Creative Writing
Published Jul 30, 2018
Last Updated Jun 02, 2025The truth hurts. That’s why everyday life can be scattered with little white lies – and why most of the human race avoids telling anyone that their baby isn’t all that pretty. But proofreaders aren’t so lucky. This career can involve sharing some uncomfortable truths. And this is especially true when working with authors and […]
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A Beginner's Guide to MHRA Referencing
A Beginner's Guide to MHRA Referencing
Published Jun 15, 2018
Last Updated Nov 25, 2024Remember when you used to get ‘Too Hot for TV’ videos of your favourite TV shows? Remember how exciting they were? Well, prepare to feel that kind of excitement again in this introduction to MHRA referencing: a system considered Too Hot for the Proofreading Academy Course. Actually, it wasn’t so much ‘too hot’ as ‘too specific […]