Hi, First name / friend. I'm pretty excited about getting an extra hour of sleep this weekend as my part of the world reverts to Standard Time! It's so much easier to wake up in the morning at this time of year because the sun rises earlier and provides a refreshing start to the day. 🌞
If you live in a part of the world where the clock moves back an hour this weekend, do you love it or hate it? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Reply to this email and let me know, will you?
We had several interesting, informative discussions in The Trellis, our supportive community for proofreaders and editors:
In the Productivity Tools channel, I shared a photo I snapped in a McDonald's parking lot recently. I was impressed with the painter's preparation before beginning his work. Proofreaders and editors need to prepare our minds and our workspaces before we begin work, too.
In the Proofreader Mindset channel, we talked about a way to deal with worrisome situations: Cross out things we can't control and focus on things we can. That's powerful!
In the Client Care channel, I shared the story of reaching out to a client I haven't worked with in a while. It's important to keep the lines of communication open with our clients, isn't it?
The prefix “mis” means bad or wrong (used in words like “mistake” or “misspell”). A mistrial occurs when a trial is stopped before a final decision is reached because of mistakes, unavoidable circumstances, or when the jury can't agree on a verdict.
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Abbrielle Robinson from Dove & Quill Editing
The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
What type of content do you proofread or edit? I proofread and edit books, academic essays, and occasionally social media posts or emails.
Did you complete a training course for proofreaders, or are you self-taught? I took various writing classes throughout high school and college, and I was fortunate to receive mentoring from an accomplished proofreader and editor who started her own business in 2017. Prior to that, I was an English and writing tutor for two years.
What is your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing business? I get to do what I love and not what I feel obligated to do. Words have always been my passion, and being able to assist someone in refining and perfecting their words is both an honor and a privilege.
What causes you the most frustration in your business? Marketing! It's challenging to determine what people are looking for on social media and how to deliver it to them effectively. Additionally, keeping up with social media trends and algorithms can be time-consuming. It feels like I spend more time doing these tasks than proofreading and editing.
What tip would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors? Use the "read aloud" function in your writing software, as it can pick up errors that your eyes might miss.
Additionally, embrace who you are and never be afraid to show it. Running a business requires you to sell yourself, so believe in yourself and your abilities. It's okay to make mistakes, but always strive to learn from them. Remember, you should be your greatest advocate!
