A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the word I chose as my word of the year: rooting.
I chose it to represent two things: the foundation I hoped to build for The Proofreader Greenhouse and the support I wanted to provide for my fellow proofreaders and editors. Looking back, I can see meaningful progress in both areas. |
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This photo I captured earlier this year perfectly illustrates the concept of rooting.
This philodendron's aerial roots reach out to a column for support. Those roots give the plant stability, allowing it to grow taller and produce larger leaves.
That’s how I feel about our proofreading and editing community. Thank you for the support you’ve shown me—and each other—in 2024. Here’s to a rooted, growing, and thriving 2025! |
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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): - Edit smarter, not harder: Jennifer's post is a great reminder of how demanding editing can be and why brain fatigue hits hard after just a few hours. She uses the HighlightWordList macro to visually flag tricky terms and reduce mental strain. If you're an editor looking to save your energy, you'll enjoy this post. ✨
- End the year right with “December Zero”: Austin's “December Zero” framework for tackling year-end loose ends is simple but powerful: Ask the right questions, focus on what matters, and let go of the rest. It’s a perfect strategy for heading into the holidays with less stress and more peace of mind. 😌
- Keep your business finances in check with Finance Friday: I like Jaime's idea of Finance Friday—dedicating a regular time to handle your business finances. This process can reduce stress and help you stay organized. 💸
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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?
I work for businesses, charities, health and education organisations and public sector bodies in the UK. Most of my work is what you might call “proof-editing”, but I also edit and write for plain language. The content is really varied and includes business plans and pitches, assessment materials, health information, magazine articles, reports and strategies.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I'm an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), the UK's professional body for our industry. CIEP provided me with my core training when I first started out and continues to be one of my primary sources of CPD. I also completed basic proofreading training with the Publishing Training Centre, which is another highly regarded organisation in the UK. Over the past year, I have been developing my services around health information, and the Patient Information Forum (PIF) has been great. My most recent training was PIF's “Writing health information” course.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I love the variety, the flexibility and the camaraderie. (I know that's three things, but I can't choose between them!)
Variety: In a single month, I could be proofreading magazine articles about nutrition, a business plan for a technology start-up, an interview script to recruit graduates to a global training scheme, and a set of student school reports.
Flexibility: Having autonomy in my business allows me to be flexible with my time around family commitments. It works both ways, and I always try to be flexible with my clients to meet their needs as well as my own.
Camaraderie: Freelancing is not a lonely life! I love working on my own, but I also love how warm and supportive the editorial community is. Everyone is so willing to share ideas and experiences. This extends to the regular clients I've also built up great relationships with over the years.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
I pride myself on good and regular communication, so it frustrates me if this is not reciprocated and I'm left up in the air about something. This doesn't happen too often, though.
I also get frustrated with the way our profession is sometimes viewed. Most of us are definitely not judgemental pedants who get their red pens out wherever they go! It's important that we keep putting the message out there that we are advocates of clear writing that's fit for purpose, rather than snooty sticklers for old-fashioned rules.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
Keep learning. If you've completed your core training and are well established in your business, take a look at some webinars or short courses to develop your knowledge in specific areas. There's lots to find online that you can dip into and fit around your work rather than committing to a lengthy, expensive or time-bound course.
Let your business evolve. Reflect every now and then on what you're doing, what you like/dislike, and what you'd like to do more of. I've found it really liberating to think about where I want to focus my efforts this year.
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This huge wreath I saw at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago is absolutely beautiful! ❤️ As we wrap up the year, I want to wish you a joyful holiday season. Thank you for reading The Leaflet this year. It's been a privilege to connect with you. The Leaflet will return in January with more tips, tools, and insights to help your proofreading and editing thrive. Until then, I hope your holidays are filled with love, quiet moments, and unexpected joys. 🎄 |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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