Hi, First name / friend. Slowly but surely, I'm getting my home decorated for Christmas. I like to do it in stages as my schedule allows. The Christmas tree is up, and I'm going to finish putting the ornaments on it today. I'm trying to finalize all of my holiday decorations before my son comes home from college on Thursday. 🥰
⚠️ Avoid Being Scammed as a Proofreader or Editor ⚠️
Unfortunately, multiple proofreaders and editors (including myself) have recently been contacted by scammers posing as prospective clients.
If you receive a project request from someone you don't know, watch out for these things:
They promise a large payout for not much work.
They begin their initial message with a generic greeting like "Hello there" or “Greetings.” (If a prospective client really wants to work with you, they'll likely research you and begin their greeting with your name if you've published your name on your profile.)
Their social media profile doesn't seem legitimate. (Many of these accounts have a small number of posts, sometimes all posted on the same day, and thousands of followers.)
They use aggressive, pushy language if you respond to their message. (“Are you ready to get started?” – when you've barely started communicating with them.)
You receive the exact same message from multiple accounts. ("Hello. Are you open to a freelance project?")
The contract they send you to sign is incomplete.
I'd recommend that you “go with your gut” in situations like this. If a business opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Have you received any of these scammy messages? I'd love to hear about your experience. Please reply to this email and let me know.
Catch of the Week:
This catch made me smile. An anecdote is a short, interesting story. An antidote is a remedy that counteracts poison.
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Averie Shaffer from The Lighthouse Edit
The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
What type of content do you proofread or edit? Clean and/or Christian fiction. I'm also open to working with nonfiction writers, nonprofits, content creators, and businesses.
Did you complete a training course for proofreaders, or are you self-taught? My first introduction into the editing world was Edit Republic's High-Level Proofreading and Copyediting Pro course.
What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing business? I love the chance to connect with people who love the art of storytelling as much as I do. Every seed of encouragement or knowledge I'm able to pass along is a joyous victory.
What causes you the most frustration in your business? I had no experience on social media before starting my business, so it's been a huge learning curve for me.
What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors? Growing up, I was always told that "What you win people with is what you've won them to." Using that mindset, I'm careful to present myself genuinely online. Everything from the content I'm willing to work on, to what I'm willing to share on social media, goes through this filter. Although I'm sure it'll cost me a few clients, I believe it'll also help me find the right clients.
