A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.
This past week, my family and I went to a Clue-themed escape room. We had to figure out which dinner guest was going to commit a murder, with which weapon, and in which room of the mansion.
I'd never done an escape room before, and to be honest, I was a little nervous about it. Turns out, it was so fun! We're still talking about it days later. |
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In a few ways, our escape room experience reminds me of proofreading: - Spotting hidden details: In the escape room, we had to search for hidden clues and patterns. Proofreading feels a lot like that—hunting for tiny errors or inconsistencies that might be easy to miss. It’s all about having a sharp eye.
- Beating the clock: Escape rooms come with a ticking clock (usually an hour), which means you have to keep moving and not spend too much time stuck on one puzzle. Proofreaders and editors often work on short deadlines too, but it’s not about rushing—it’s about staying organized and using your time wisely so you can do careful, thorough work.
- Staying focused: The escape room had dramatic music playing in the background, and I quickly realized I’m not great at solving mysteries in a noisy environment. I’m so used to working in silence that it was a real challenge to concentrate. It reminded me how important a quiet environment is while doing focused work.
- Asking for help: My family worked together to figure out the mystery. We were also able to ask the “game master” (an employee of the escape room) for hints. And believe me, I asked for several! Proofreading is like that too. I rely on my reference books, online tools, and the Trellis community to get the help I need when I'm stumped on a difficult grammar or punctuation question.
Have you ever had an experience that reminded you of your work as a proofreader or editor? I’d love to hear about it! |
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My Word of the Year for 2025: |
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In 2024, my word of the year was rooting. For 2025, I've chosen the word crescendo.
A crescendo, often heard in music, is a gradual increase in intensity, volume, or impact. That’s the energy I want to bring to my business this year—steady growth and a stronger, more confident voice for The Proofreader Greenhouse.
I also need to remember that a crescendo doesn't happen all at once. It takes time, effort, and a clear sense of direction.
Do you have a word or goal for the year? What do you want to build, grow, or focus on in 2025? I'd love to hear. Feel free to reply and share. |
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The phrase “en masse” comes from French and means as a group or all together. According to Merriam-Webster, “masse” can be pronounced “mass,” which is probably why my client spelled it that way. 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 specialise in business books and fiction.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I started with Essential Proofreading from the Publishing Training Centre, and I've taken other courses since then – many with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, including their Introduction to Fiction Editing. I'm a huge fan of CPD!
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I spent many years as a chartered accountant before retraining as an editor and proofreader. Now I get to embrace my degree in English Lit! I love the chance to be part of an author's book team and to work with words!
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
Sometimes I'll get into an edit or proofread and lose track of time. I'm frustrated with myself when I don't remember to get up and do my stretches or just leave the desk.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
When I researched my career change, finding the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (then SfEP, now CIEP) gave me a real lightbulb moment. My top tip for proofreaders or editors is to get involved in the editorial community. I've had so much support through the CIEP, and I've been the local group coordinator for Manchester UK since 2018.
Community is one of the reasons I was so pleased to hear from Julie from The Proofreader Greenhouse!
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I love my little IKEA greenhouse. Unfortunately, the area where I keep it doesn't get much natural light this time of year. A grow light to the rescue!
I've been using the grow light for a few hours each day for about a month now, and it's made a big difference in these plants. My button fern has done especially well. It has lots of new growth on it.
A little extra light can make a big difference. 💡🪴 |
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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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