A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

I don’t usually eat at McDonald’s, but I’ve been known to swing by for a Diet Dr. Pepper now and then. 😉

 

For the longest time, I got annoyed when every drive-through interaction began with, “Will you be using our mobile app?” I always said, “No.” I mean, who needs another app cluttering their phone? But after being prompted enough times, I decided to try the app. Now I use it every time.

 

This week, I preordered my Diet Dr. Pepper on the app, but the car ahead of me clearly hadn’t. Watching the driver fumble through his order and dig for payment seemed to take forever. Then it hit me: This is exactly why McDonald’s keeps promoting its app.

 

By encouraging app use, they’ve streamlined the process: no extra time at the speaker, no fumbling for payment, and customers earn rewards for future purchases.

Proofreaders and editors can try a similar strategy. Are there parts of your workflow that could run more smoothly? Here are a few areas to consider:

For example, my clients use an Airtable form I created to submit their transcripts for proofreading. No lengthy email threads or scattered details—it all goes straight into my project spreadsheet. My clients love the convenience, and I love the time it saves.

 

What’s one process you've implemented to make life easier for your clients?

My theme word for 2025 is crescendo, and I’ve been using an Airtable spreadsheet to track the little things I do each day to grow my proofreading business and The Proofreader Greenhouse. It’s not fancy, but it’s been a fun way to document my progress and remind myself that even small actions add up. 

 

Have you ever tried tracking your progress? Whether it’s a notebook, an app, or sticky notes on your desk, documenting even small steps can make a big difference. It’s a great way to reflect on how far you’ve come and stay motivated for what’s next.

 

I’d love to hear how you track your growth. Reply and let me know. 🌟

If you'd like to try Airtable for yourself, here's my referral link. They even offer a free plan!

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

"Bass" refers to the lowest singing voice in a choir. Don’t confuse it with "base," which means the foundation or bottom of something. 🎶

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.

Manda Waller, The Human Fiction Editor

This plant's official name is Epipremnum pinnatum, but that's way too difficult to pronounce (😅). Most people call it a Dragon Tail, named for the shape of its mature leaves.

He seems to thrive in the bright, indirect light that comes in my dining room window. Look at that new growth! 🪴

Let's keep growing together!

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

 

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