A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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How do you de-stress after a long day of proofreading, editing, or writing?
You probably know that one of my favorite ways to unwind is to spend time in nature. This week, I visited one of my favorite gardens. There's always something new to see, and I love strolling along the pathways, breathing deeply, and admiring all the growth. |
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Have you heard about garden bathing? Don’t worry—you won’t need a towel for this! 🛁
Garden bathing is spending time in nature, soaking in everything around you. For example, you could wander through a garden (or even your backyard) breathing deeply, letting the sights, smells, and sounds relax you. It’s a simple, peaceful way to connect with nature and feel refreshed. I love point number 8 in this article about garden bathing: “Stay as long as you can. Even a few minutes can work wonders.” Garden bathing is great after a long day of proofreading, editing, or any kind of work that requires intense focus. I highly recommend it. |
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How do you keep track of terms and names in the content you proofread or edit? |
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In last week's issue of The Leaflet, I mentioned my recent proofreading adventure as part of a team that created transcripts of a mesothelioma trial. Everyone on the team shared a Google spreadsheet with over 1,000 terms and names that came up during the trial. |
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I suggest keeping a list like this for lengthy projects that you proofread or edit. It helps ensure that names and terms are spelled consistently.
You could use different tools to create your list: - a Google Sheet
- an Apple Note
- a paper notebook
If you're using Google Sheets, I recommend an add-on called StaySorted. After installation, it ensures your spreadsheet rows are always sorted based on the criteria you choose (I prefer to keep things sorted A to Z), without needing to manually re-sort every time you add new data. How do you keep track of names and terms you encounter to ensure consistency in your work? Reply to this email to let me know. |
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Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn this week (shared with permission): - Is it okay to use contractions in business writing? Years ago, I was told to avoid using contractions in my writing, especially formal writing. And I followed that advice while working for an educational association (where almost all of my writing was formal). Now that I have my own business, I find myself using contractions more and more. Anisa shares her thoughts about using contractions, even in formal writing. I think you'll find her post interesting. 🧠
- The importance of ergonomics in your work setup: Since many of us sit during much of our workday, Peter's post (and his accompanying article) is a great reminder about the importance of setting up an ergonomic workspace. 💪🏻
- Have you considered being a beta reader? Michelle's post tells authors why they might want to hire a beta reader for their projects. Have you considered being a beta reader? 📖
By the way, if you're on LinkedIn, I'd love to connect! |
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Every time I see “statue” or “statute” in a piece of content I'm proofreading, I pause to make sure it's spelled correctly. A statute is a formal rule or law. 💡 Catch of the Week screenshots come from my transcript proofreading. I can't change what a person said, but I can make sure words are spelled correctly and punctuation marks are in the right spots. If you're interested in learning more about transcript proofreading, I wrote an article about it here. |
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This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor: |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
Helping writers share their stories in the most engaging way possible is my favorite part of this business, so books and articles are what I focus on the most.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I'm currently taking a copyediting course with the Publishing Training Centre, but I also have eight years of experience and a BA in English.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I love getting to connect with people about their stories and help them write with more clarity.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
Finding clients has been the hardest part of the business so far. I have eight years of editing experience behind me, but this is the first time I'm having to find clients for myself. It's an uphill battle, but I've only been at it for five months, and I trust it'll get better with time.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
I have loved Clockify for tracking my time, especially for projects where I'm charging by the hour.
I also definitely recommend figuring out what style guide you'll be using most often and reading through their rules for the most common situations. Each style guide is so different in the strangest ways, so it helps to know exactly what your style guide says in order to address the problem appropriately.
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I love the bright green on this new mini monstera leaf. He's the fastest-growing plant in my collection. ️🌱 |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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7893 Old US Highway 52
Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
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