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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:
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Waiting isn’t always easy. Just ask my beagle, Harley.

He likes to sit by the front window, waiting for my husband to come home from work. He doesn’t know exactly when, but he knows it will happen.
 
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As proofreaders and editors, we do our fair share of waiting too.

We wait for client emails to land in our inbox, for projects to arrive (sometimes later than promised), and for feedback on our work. We wait for potential clients to respond to our inquiries, for payments to process, and for word-of-mouth referrals to take root.

But waiting doesn’t have to feel like wasted time.

Instead of checking our inbox every five minutes, we can use those in-between moments to strengthen our business by updating our portfolios, reaching out to past clients, or connecting with fellow proofreaders and editors. 

And sometimes, the best thing we can do is step away (take a walk, make a cup of tea, or do something completely unrelated) so when the next project arrives, we’re ready.

Harley may not have much to do while he waits, but we do. How do you spend those in-between moments waiting for a client, a project, or the right opportunity? Reply and let me know. 🪴
 

 
Proofreading with a Spoonful of Fun 🥄
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Proofreading and editing require a lot of focus, and sometimes, the work is high stakes. Just because the content is serious doesn’t mean the process has to feel like a chore. Finding little ways to make it more enjoyable can help you stay focused and motivated. 

Here are a few ideas for making proofreading or editing a bit more fun:
  • Timer Challenge: Set a timer for a section and see how efficiently you can work while maintaining accuracy.
  • Proofreading Bingo: Mark off common mistakes (like homophones or missing commas) and reward yourself for a bingo!
  • Color-Coding Fun: Use different highlighter colors for various errors to make the process more visual.
  • Silent Coworking: Join a virtual coworking session for quiet focus with a sense of camaraderie.
  • Move While You Proofread: Use an under-desk treadmill or stationary bike desk to stay active while working.
  • Change Up Your Spot: If you proofread on a laptop or tablet, proofread a few pages in one seat, then move to a different spot for a fresh perspective.
  • Stretch Breaks: After each page, do a quick stretch or shake out your hands.
  • Editing Buddy: Take a quick break to check in with your pet—whether they’re “supervising” from their favorite spot or just keeping you company.
  • Victory Playlist: Play songs that make you feel accomplished after a tough edit.
What’s your favorite way to make proofreading or editing more enjoyable? Reply and let me know.
 

 
Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week:
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn this week (shared with permission):
  • It might be time to raise your rates: Dave's post is a wake-up call for anyone who’s afraid to charge what they’re worth. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing anxiety, this is a must-read. 🌟
     
  • To capitalize or not to capitalize (after a colon): Amanda breaks down a common question: When should you capitalize the first word after a colon? Her clear examples make this an easy lesson to remember. 🧠
     
  • Everyday ways to invest in yourself: Kristin’s post is a great reminder that the best investment in yourself and your business can be simply giving yourself permission to rest and recharge. 🌱
👉🏻 If you're on LinkedIn, click here to follow The Proofreader Greenhouse or click here to follow me.

 
Catch of the Week:
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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.
 

 
This Week's Featured Proofreader or Editor:
Frank Kresen from Proof Positive
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
  • What type of content do you proofread or edit? 
    Literary: Fiction and nonfiction — all genres. Corporate: Communications and marketing materials. My business is a division of my wife’s graphic-design-specializing-in-books freelance business.
     
  • Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
    McGraw-Hill Proofamatics Seminar
     
  • What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
    Working with the English language and getting kudos from satisfied clients
     
  • What causes you the most frustration in your work?
    If it has to be something, it’s the three times I’ve gotten “stiffed” (not paid) in my 45 years of doing this. But now I have a built-in safeguard against that. 
     
  • What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
    To those just starting out, the hardest thing for you will be establishing your rates. You may have to experiment with different approaches.
     
Connect with Frank: Website | LinkedIn
 

Plant Photo of the Week:
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Buckle up, buddy! My ZZ plant rode home from Home Depot in style. 🪴
 

 
Let's keep growing together!
Julie
 

 
What did you think of today's email? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback. Email 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.
 
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States