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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:
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Hi, First name / friend! The Leaflet is back after a week off. While I was away, I enjoyed having our son home from college for a few days, went on several nature walks, took Harley for his first vet visit, and proofread multiple transcripts. Whew!

I've loved seeing all the signs of spring around here lately, including this gorgeous pink dogwood tree in my neighbor's yard. 
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Do you track your proofreading/editing time? If not, should you?
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We had an interesting discussion this week in our TPG community, The Trellis, about tracking our time for proofreading or editing tasks.
 
Whether you charge by the hour and need to send your clients an accurate record of the time spent on their projects or you just want to collect data to improve your productivity, time tracking can be a good idea for proofreaders and editors.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about tracking your time for your proofreading or editing tasks. Please reply to this email and let me know if you track your time and if you've found it helpful.

๐Ÿ‘‡ Coming up this week ๐Ÿ‘‡
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Mark your calendar for this week's Productivity P.O.D. Session. Meet with us virtually and work on your own tasks in an environment of collaboration. I can't wait to be productive with you!

 
Catch of the Week:
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Inherent is an adjective that means natural, built-in qualities or characteristics. To inherit something is to receive it from someone who passed it down, often a family member.๐Ÿ’ก
 
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Mary Cantor
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: 
  • What type of content do you proofread or edit? Content calendars and blogs for copywriters/agencies, as well as manuscripts (primarily nonfiction, but I've worked with many genres)
  • Did you complete a training course for proofreaders, or are you self-taught? I completed a course on how to proofread, and I've since worked with coaches on marketing and other business skills as well.
  • What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing business? I love that I can adjust it to fit with my 9โ€“5 job. During busy times, I can pull back from my side hustle, while still maintaining my recurring clients and getting the tax benefits that come from owning a business. It's also been great to explore my entrepreneurial side. When I became a proofreader, I thought that was the only skill I'd need. I was definitely wrong about that, but I've loved learning about marketing, social media strategies, and how to be a business owner.
  • What causes you the most frustration in your business? Misconceptions about grammar and language have caused myths about proofreaders and editors being sticklers about grammar, have prevented talented writers from telling their stories, and have led aspiring proofreaders and editors to think they have to know everything and be "perfect" in order to be effective. I wish people were less judgmental about how others use language.
  • What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors? 
    Don't be afraid to invest in your business. I hear so many proofreaders say they want to wait until they've gotten a client, earned a certain amount of money, or reached other milestones and then they'll invest. The thing is, investing in your business (through courses, premium tools, or coaching) is how you reach those milestones. Trust in yourself and your ability to earn back your investment. You're worth it!
If you'd like to learn more from Mary, I think you'll enjoy this interview I had with her a few months ago. If you're a TPG member, the interview replay is already in your account. Just log in and look for the My Products tab. The title of the lesson is โ€œEarly Business Lessons for Proofreaders.โ€
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Plant of the Week: Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
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I just love the veining on the leaves of this plant. I've read that nerve plants like bright, indirect light; moist soil; and frequent misting to increase humidity. This guy is new to my collection. Wish me luck with him! ๐Ÿคž

Let's keep growing together!
Julie

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What did you think of today's email, First name / friend? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback: julie@theproofreadergreenhouse.com
 
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