editing tips
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Literally and Figuratively: What’s the Difference?
Literally and Figuratively: What’s the Difference?
Last Updated Nov 16, 2022
The English language’s waters can be muddy. So too can the difference between this pair of words: literally and figuratively. Literally and figuratively aren’t the same thing, despite what some people may think. Literally used to denote a literal, or letter-by-letter, meaning. People didn’t start to use literally in a figurative sense until about 200 […]
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When to Use Possessive Apostrophes
When to Use Possessive Apostrophes
Last Updated Nov 13, 2022
Apostrophes are one of the most commonly misused forms of punctuation. As a proofreader or editor, you’ll need to catch apostrophe errors in your client’s work. There are two main uses of apostrophes: to indicate possession and to create a contraction. In this post, we’ll be focusing on the former. Read on to learn the […]
Similes and Metaphors: What’s the Difference?
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7 of the Best Podcasts About Language
Last Updated Nov 07, 2022
Podcasts are more popular now than ever before, with a podcast on every topic from paranormal investigations to ancient history. They can be an inspiring educational or proofreading tool as well as a way to make learning more fun. You can even listen to a podcast while doing work and household chores, making them great […]
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Whomever or Whoever: What’s the Difference?
Last Updated Nov 06, 2022
If you’re confused about when to use whomever or whoever, you’re not alone. In today’s post, we’ll explain the difference between whomever and whoever and how you can determine which one to use. Who and Whom Whoever and whomever take their forms from who and whom, two words that belong to a time when many […]
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How to Find Work with Self-Published Authors
Last Updated Nov 04, 2022
Many authors are now choosing to self-publish so they can craft their work without having to consider the limitations of publishers. But authors who go this route still need a crucial element to bring their masterpiece to completion – a qualified editor. Working as an editor for self-published authors offers many advantages, such as being […]
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What Is the Standard Manuscript Format?
Last Updated Oct 28, 2022
Many publishers expect submissions to use a standard manuscript format. As a proofreader or editor, knowing what the standard format requires will allow you to better help your clients. Read on to find out what the standard manuscript format is and when it should be used. What is the Standard Manuscript Format? The standard manuscript […]
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How to Use Semicolons (With Examples)
Last Updated Oct 24, 2022
A semicolon (;) is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause, and it typically serves two purposes: linking two closely related independent clauses and separating items in a multipart list. But how are they different from colons? And when is a semicolon a better choice than a comma? As a proofreader, you’ll need to know […]
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Narrative Structure: What Are the 7 Basic Plots?
Last Updated Oct 21, 2022
Often, the aim of narrative theory is to identify common plots that are used in many stories. One of the most well-known attempts in recent years is Christopher Booker’s 2004 book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories. In this book, Booker proposes that any story will follow one of seven different plots: Understanding […]
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Common Homophone Errors (and How to Avoid Them)
Common Homophone Errors (and How to Avoid Them)
Last Updated Oct 17, 2022
Do you remember learning about homophones in school, way back when? Well, it’s time for a refresher! Homophones can be a tricky part of writing in English – even for fluent speakers. In this post, we’ll look at the different types of homophones, some of the most common homophone errors, and how to correct these […]
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Narrative Structure: What Is In Medias Res?
Narrative Structure: What Is In Medias Res?
Last Updated Oct 14, 2022
Starting a story in medias res is a common technique that authors use. If you’re a creative writing editor, you should know how this narrative structure works. In this post, we’ll explain what in medias res means and how you can use your knowledge of this technique to assess your client’s writing. What Does In […]
