A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

I don't love going to the dentist for my six-month checkup (who does?), but the fact that one of my favorite botanical gardens is just around the corner from my dentist's office made it a little easier to endure my teeth cleaning this week.

The pepper plants in the “kitchen garden” section are thriving. I just love the bright colors!

With summer ending and back-to-school season in full swing, many of us are getting used to new routines. Whether it’s dropping off elementary students each morning, guiding high schoolers through a busy schedule, or sending college students off on their own, this time of year can bring different levels of intensity.
 

Just like peppers, some days are mild and easy, while others can feel a bit more intense. But it’s all part of the process. These moments, whether simple or challenging, help us grow and develop.

 

If your kids are starting school right now, take it day by day, knowing that every experience—no matter how “hot” it feels—adds something valuable to the journey.

Let me start by saying that this idea might be a bit controversial 😯. If you're open to trying an unconventional approach to landing clients, keep reading:

In the world of proofreading and editing, it’s natural to want to work with every client who comes your way—especially when you're starting out. But what if, instead of just highlighting your strengths, you were honest about the challenges or limitations of working with you? This approach, though unconventional, can help you attract clients who are truly the right fit.

 

Consider sending an "unsell email" to potential clients who are close to hiring you. In this email, outline any challenges—whether it’s your availability, your specific editing style, or the types of projects you prefer. You might lose a few prospects, but those who choose to move forward will be well-informed, confident in their decision, and more likely to appreciate your work. This approach can lead to more satisfying, long-term client relationships.

 

This tactic isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve struggled with mismatched expectations or difficult clients, it might be worth trying. Fewer well-matched clients can be far more rewarding than many who aren’t quite right for you.

 

I'd love to hear what you think about the “unsell email” and if you think this technique could help you find better-fitting clients. Please reply to this email and let me know.

Remember last week when I shared Michelle's LinkedIn post about beta readers? I received the nicest reply from Leaflet subscriber Sally on the subject.

She suggested that authors consider asking residents of local assisted-living facilities to be beta readers. As Sally put it, “Many residents of such communities are avid readers, and they have broad life experience that will inform their commentary and critique.”

Isn't that a great idea? Even though many of you are proofreaders and editors, I'm sure some of you are also aspiring authors who might enjoy this tip.

My husband's grandmother (whose mind was sharp but body was failing) lived in an assisted-living facility for several years before her death. She told us that she'd read every book in the facility's library and wished she had other material to read.

Thanks for the suggestion, Sally! ✨

Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn this week (shared with permission):

If you need a word that means feeling frustrated or annoyed, use “exasperated.” If you need a word that means to make a bad situation worse, use “exacerbated.” Both are difficult for me to pronounce, for some reason. 💡

 

Kristen from Curious Koi Proofreading

The fluffy ruffles fern in my small IKEA greenhouse is thriving! I've never been able to keep ferns alive before, and I think the greenhouse environment is the reason this one is doing well. ️🌱

Let's keep growing together!

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

 

If this newsletter was forwarded to you or you found a link to it online, why not get The Leaflet delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now for grammar tips, tricky word pairs, client strategies, and helpful online tools.