A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Last week began with a packed proofreading scheduleâa RealTeam trial lined up and another trial scheduled for next week. I thought Iâd be buried in transcripts and busy with tight deadlines for days. If you havenât heard of it, RealTeam proofreading is where court reporters, scopists, and proofreaders work on live legal proceedings in real time. But then, this week's trial settled before it even started, and next week's was postponed because one of the attorneys has pneumonia. Just like that, the packed schedule I'd prepared for disappeared. |
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At first, I was bummed. Iâd rearranged my whole week and was ready to jump into the work. But once the news sank in, I felt a little relieved. Suddenly, I had time to tackle some things Iâd been putting off.
If any of your client work ever falls through, here are some practical ways to make the most of unexpected openings in your schedule: - Shift your mindset. See the cancellation as an opportunity. Whatâs something youâve been putting off? Now might be the perfect time.
- Tackle lingering tasks. Organize files, update your LinkedIn profile, or tidy your workspace.
- Focus on marketing. Connect with potential clients, post on social media, or research new opportunities.
- Rest and recharge. Sometimes, the best use of free time is taking a break. Go for a walk, read a book for pleasure, or relax.
If youâre new to proofreading, cancellations might not be on your radar yet, but theyâre worth preparing for. With the right mindset, these changes can become opportunities to grow.
Have you dealt with unexpected cancellations? Whatâs your favorite way to make the most of extra time? Iâd love to hear your thoughts! |
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Iâm compiling a list of proofreading niches for a new resource in The Proofreader Greenhouse, and Iâd love your input!
If youâre a proofreader, head over to this LinkedIn post to share the types of content you proofread. If you're not on LinkedIn, just reply to this email and let me know your niche. Whether itâs common or super specific, your contribution might inspire someone to explore a new path. I canât wait to hear from you! đ± |
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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): - Client email tips from a spam folder scare: I loved Carleyâs transparency in sharing this relatable âoopsâ moment with a client's email. Her tips for avoiding this in the future, like whitelisting clients and setting up email filters, are practical and actionable. đ©
- How editors really tackle documents: Jenny provides a peek into the editing process; it's not always as straightforward as reading top to bottom! Her tip about batching tasks, like checking table numbers all at once, is a smart way to stay accurate. đ
- How to impress your proofreading clients: Michelle nailed it with her advice on building a successful proofreading business beyond just fixing typos. Her tips are a great reminder that how you treat your clients is just as important as the work itself. đĄ
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This screenshot came from a transcript I proofed in which the judge ordered the defendant's cheek to be swabbed for DNA. The word âbuccalâ refers to the cheek or the inside of the mouth. đź 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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Chantelle from Well-Written Words Proofreading & Editing |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
The majority of my current work consists of proofreading court transcripts for some pretty awesome court reporters. Iâve worked at building relationships with several such stars of the steno world. I admire their dedication, their precision, and their mental nimbleness. So if I can help them out by building a better transcript, I am very happy to do that. Thatâs not to say that I am not open to other projects, but it turns out that there is a consistent proofreading need when it comes to accurately preserving the written legal record.
Do I like to work on magazine articles, blog posts, and even an occasional novel thrown in there? Sure I do! But I appreciate the regularity and flexibility of court transcript proofreading. Researching terms for accuracy has also given me a reason to delve into subjects that I previously knew little or nothing about.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
Proofread Anywhere was a good fit for me. It was a great refresher for the principles that I had learned more than a few years ago. I started with a general proofreading course, which helped me dust off my grammar foundation after years of working in other fields. This program also brought me up to speed on utilizing current style guides.
Shortly after completing that first online course, I went on to complete the transcript proofreading program offered by the same company. As a copyeditor, my first inclination is often to suggest a reword, but of course, that cannot be done with verbatim material. So a new mindset had to be established as I began working on transcripts.
And while there is no certificate of completion offered, ongoing interaction with the willing community of proofreaders and copyeditors found in online forums serves as a training program of its own. Honestly, this group of professionals is one of the most valuable resources I have found.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
First, I require flexibility due to family responsibilities. If my children need transportation to an activity or my parents need support at a medical appointment, I want to be there for them. Setting my hours according to the work that I choose to accept is a real gift. Autonomy is a great way to experience work, and everyone who has been locked into set hours on specific days can appreciate that truth.
Another bonus to having my own business is the continuing educational experience that it provides. Right now, I do it all, from setting up my website to answering my emails to scheduling my jobs to staying on top of tax reporting. This provides immense opportunity for skills growthâand I donât get bored. I may be terrified from time to time, but I am never stagnant. There is always another application or direction to pursue, and this is an aspect of my work that is important to me.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
The biggest challenge that I face is what I just listed as one of the best parts of my businessâtaking care of the whole process. It sounds a little contradictory, right? But fitting it all in can be frustrating, and balancing so many things consistently may at times be an elusive goal. Whether itâs navigating technology or managing a clientâs unrealistic expectations, thereâs always one more thing to figure out. Most days itâs an adventure, but occasionally itâs more than I bargained for.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
As you work hard to get things going, make sure to remind yourself regularly that you will achieve your goal. Post a sticky note or hang a sign the size of a billboardâwhatever you needâso that you donât forget that it will happen. That first client will find you. And others will follow. When they do, though, make sure that you clock out from time to time, not just physically but mentally too. Building your business is just a part of your life. Youâre going to need a break every now and then.
Remember that thereâs no need to isolate yourself, even if youâre working from home. Stay in the loop by joining social media groups and engaging within these. Focus on the areas that will boost your knowledge. Or give someone else a helping hand by answering their question. Youâll keep your skills sharp while fostering the growth of others. As you build these positive relationships, your confidence will growâand so will your business.
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The begonia that sits near my dining room window is flowering again!
It always surprises me when my plants flower in the winter. He must love the bright, indirect light. đȘŽ |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
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