Proofreading myths exposed
There are some myths about proofreading that are untrue and need exposing and refuting.
Confused words: A to C
During proofreading I frequently come across some words that have been confused time and again. This is the first part of an occasional series looking at a few examples and … Continue Reading Confused words: A to C
Ten tips for getting the most out of your proofreader
The following tips for getting the most out of your freelance proofreader are based on those suggested on the website of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP), with a … Continue Reading Ten tips for getting the most out of your proofreader
Points to watch for when revising text
It is always good practice to revise and if necessary completely rewrite text in documents to ensure that they are accurate, concise, and the best they can be. Straightforward you might think and you might say “What could possibly go wrong?” Quite a lot actually. But in the process of review there are some hidden traps an author can fall into when using Find and Replace, or inserting or deleting text that can affect pagination.
Proofreading services: Not just for publishers
Publishers are not the only ones that require and benefit from proofreading services. Below are a few instances of other people or bodies who can benefit from the attention and skill of an experienced proofreader, together with relevant links to my website for further information.
Proofreading questions answered
Proofreading is the last stage of the editing process for a document and should only be carried out once all other revisions by the author / contributors and amendments by the copy-editor have taken place. Proofreading therefore has an important role in publishing and business as it is the last chance to correct any errors before the book or document is published.
Synaesthesia – tasting your words
Oxford Dictionary of English defines this as “the production of a sense impression relating to one sense or part of the body by stimulation of another sense or part of the body”. For instance, sights or sounds might evoke sensations of taste or colour.
Tips for writers: Avoiding sexist and biased language: part 1
Sexist language refers to words, terms, or usages that discriminate against or exclude either of the sexes, and that assume maleness, or even femaleness is the standard.
Despite many years of feminist campaigners and attempts to raise awareness of the use of sexist language, it still widely exists in modern life.
The dangers of failing to proofread
Put yourself in your readers’ shoes: how would you feel if you had received a document or publication from someone that contained numerous errors and inconsistencies? Even worse if you had paid good money for it. You would might possibly feel insulted that they could not be bothered to ensure their output was readable and free of errors.
Tips on how to avoid some pitfalls in writing
They say there is a book in each one of us waiting to be written. If that is true it is probably easier for some people than others to turn … Continue Reading Tips on how to avoid some pitfalls in writing
The importance of humour in writing
Next to a plot or central purpose, humour is possibly the next most important ingredient of writing. Perhaps humour would not be welcomed in a textbook on physics or a philosophical discourse, but certainly for fiction, travel books, memoirs, and the like it can be a valuable way of injecting some character and light relief. There are several reasons for this.
Tips for small businesses to cut greenhouse gas emissions
As a freelance proofreader I operate from a home office and already I have reduced my carbon footprint as regards travel to work as I do not use a car … Continue Reading Tips for small businesses to cut greenhouse gas emissions
How much will you charge me for proofreading?
Understandably I hear this from people enquiring how much I estimate the cost of a proofread will be from me. Unfortunately, some equate freelance with part-time or casual work undertaken, … Continue Reading How much will you charge me for proofreading?
How to achieve the work–life balance as a freelance
We hear a lot in the media about the health benefits of achieving a good work–life balance, but it is harder to achieve when your home is also your workplace. … Continue Reading How to achieve the work–life balance as a freelance
Why proofreading should be part of your marketing strategy
You might think that proofreading is an outdated process that belongs to an era before digital content and communications, when everything was printed and proofs were intensely inspected by eagle-eyed … Continue Reading Why proofreading should be part of your marketing strategy
Is your business ready for Brexit?
British Prime Minister Theresa May has just fired the starting gun on the UK’s negotiations to withdraw from the European Union with the serving of notice to leave under … Continue Reading Is your business ready for Brexit?
