A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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At what point in your workday do you realize your neck feels stiff, your back is tight, or your legs haven’t moved in hours? I felt that more than ever this week while doing RealTeam proofreading (I talked more about it in Issue 45). I spent hours each day listening to every word of a personal injury trial while scanning the transcript on my computer monitor and correcting errors. Unlike my usual proofreading, where I can read from any location in my house, this type of proofreading keeps me anchored to my office chair for long stretches. And after 8-plus hours a day in the same spot, I felt it. 😖 |
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To shake off the stiffness, I turned to desk stretches. Simple, quick, and surprisingly effective, they help loosen up tight muscles after hours of focused work. A few shoulder rolls, a seated spinal twist, or even standing for a forward fold can make a big difference. Just a little movement helped my body (and mind) feel better. Do you have a go-to stretch or movement that helps during long work sessions? I’d love to hear what works for you! |
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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): - Finding joy in the little things: Kenna’s post reminds us of the power of "glimmers," those tiny, positive moments that bring a sense of warmth, calm, and connection. It's important to slow down and notice the small joys around us, even on tough days. ✨
- Helping writers handle feedback with confidence: Adina shares practical strategies writers can use to approach edits with an open mind. As editors, understanding how writers experience feedback can help us communicate our suggestions more effectively and build a stronger author-editor relationship. 📝
- How to ask clients to recommend your services: Toni’s post is a must-read for anyone who struggles with asking clients for feedback or testimonials. She shares a simple, direct approach to requesting recommendations—without feeling pushy or awkward. 🌟
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An eave is the part of a roof that overhangs and protects the walls from rain. Speaking of eave, you might might also enjoy reading the etymology of eavesdrop ( here's a link). 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?
Textbooks and related instructional material such as workbooks and assessments; marketing pieces such as catalogs and flyers. I also maintain the company internal style guide for Loyola Press.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I took a few courses in the editing program run by the University of Chicago, which publishes The Chicago Manual of Style, the main reference guide for most book publishing. Those courses introduced me to what "Chicago style" is and how to use the manual. But mostly I learned by doing--the best way to get better at editing is practice. I've been with Loyola Press for 22 years, so by now I've edited thousands of pages.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I've always loved books, so I like that I get to make them for a living. I still get excited to see the first copies that come back from the printer and see the pages that I worked on in print. It's very satisfying to know that teachers and students all over the country are using textbooks that I edited in their classrooms.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
Our production schedules are tight, and sometimes it can be challenging to meet the deadlines.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
I regularly read books about grammar and writing to keep myself informed. One of my favorites is Dreyer's English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer, who was the former copy chief at Random House. It's wickedly funny!
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Despite the freezing temperatures in North Carolina this past week, my camellia bushes are in full bloom. Beautiful!️ 🪴 |
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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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