This weeping cherry tree in my yard is absolutely gorgeous when it flowers in the spring. I've never taken a close look at the buds before they opened, though. Aren't they pretty? I just love that pink color.
✨ Feedback, please. ✨
In the past two weeks, I've been asked at least three times to leave feedback: (1) an Amazon purchase, (2) a dental checkup, and (3) a medical appointment.
Most of these feedback requests have been in survey format. Some were quick and painless, while others were lengthy. Guess which ones I was more likely to submit? The short ones, of course.
I read about an interesting feedback request technique in The Achievement Habit by Bernard Roth: When requesting feedback, ask for two things they like and one thing they wish.
For example, I could have given the following feedback about my recent dental visit:
I like that I had to wait only two minutes before being taken to the exam room.
I like that Dr. Phelps spends time talking to me at the end of each visit. I can tell that she cares about me and the health of my teeth.
I wish the hygienist wouldn't take my blood pressure when I first sit down in the chair. I'm already stressed enough when I go to the dentist.
You can also use this approach when giving feedback to your proofreading or editing clients.
The next time you request feedback, try this technique. Use it with your clients, your social media followers, your blog readers, or even your family.
Would you take a moment to reply to this email and provide feedback about The Leaflet? I'd love to hear two things you like and one thing you wish. Thanks in advance for helping me improve this newsletter! 👍
Catch of the Week:
The idiom “out of the chute” (often preceded by the word “right”) means since the very beginning.💡
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Joanne Mason
The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
What type of content do you proofread or edit? Content for businesses and nonprofits, such as web copy, blog posts, newsletters, reports, and infographics
Did you complete a training course for proofreaders, or are you self-taught? I completed the Professional Sequence in Editing certificate from the University of California Berkeley Extension program as well as the ACES/Poynter editing certificate. I've taken several editing courses through the EFA and an AMA style course.
What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing business? I love language, and I find working with words to be fun and rewarding. I also enjoy the variety of projects that come my way. Earlier this year, I proofread a genealogical society's newsletter and an essay about blood in the same week.
What causes you the most frustration in your business? Imposter syndrome! I know it's common among writers, editors, and creative professionals, so I take heart in knowing I'm not alone. But no matter how much I try to stay on top of training and trends, I often worry that I don't know enough.
What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors? If your work involves fact-checking, I recommend The Chicago Guide to Fact-Checking by Brooke Borel. The second edition came out last year (University of Chicago Press), and it's been a great resource! It has helped me think through the way information is presented, especially in the age of AI.
