A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Even the most beautiful, supportive trellis starts out as plain wood and wire.
When I first spotted this one at my favorite local greenhouse in early January, it was unpainted. No plants, no color—just a simple wooden frame with metal wiring. I wondered what it might become (and snapped a quick photo of the “before,” hoping I'd get to see the “after”).
A few weeks ago, I went back. That same trellis is now painted green and covered in thriving plants. Same structure. Same foundation. But the transformation is striking. |
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It reminds me of those quiet stretches in business when things feel a little empty. Maybe client work has slowed down or you're deep in the behind-the-scenes projects. It can feel like you're not making progress, but really, you're just in the early part of something that’s still taking shape.
What you’re building now matters more than it might seem. The quiet setup work—the structure, the foundation—is what allows growth to happen. Beauty often follows patience. If you’re in a bare-wood season—or just want to be part of something steady and green—I’d love to invite you to The Trellis, our free online community for proofreaders and editors. Come take a look, and bring your work-in-progress self. Here's a link with more info. |
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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): - Is it really a red flag to reply to clients quickly? I like Jennifer’s response to the whole “don’t reply to clients too quickly” advice. It reminds me that setting boundaries doesn’t have to mean delayed replies, just clear communication and doing what works best for you. ⚡
- From oops to ops: building a smarter proofreading system: Dave’s story is a great reminder that even experienced proofreaders can miss things. I liked seeing how one missed headline led to a smarter, more thorough review process. 🔎
- 7 reasons prospective clients aren't saying yes (yet): Lisa breaks down the seven reasons a promising lead might still not say yes. Her advice is practical if you’ve ever wondered why a prospective client didn’t convert. I really enjoy all of Lisa's content on LinkedIn. Consider following her for useful advice. 💡
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Here's how to remember this: The "a" at the end of "hangar" is like the "a" in “airplane.” 💡 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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Elizabeth from Abstract to Appendix Editorial |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
I edit academic texts, such as journal articles and dissertations.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I took the Editorial Freelancers Association’s Copyediting: Beginning and Introduction to Academic Editing courses when I first started freelancing. I also just began their Coaching Academic Writers course.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
Bringing clarity and relief to writers in chaotic moments! Whether I’m working with a professor revising and resubmitting a journal article or a doctoral student preparing to defend their dissertation, I enjoy demystifying academic writing for my clients so they can meet their goals.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
Time management. As a new freelancer, I have the expertise to help my clients, but my systems aren’t super efficient yet.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
This is niche to academic writers, but formatting dissertations and theses seems to be a pretty untapped market. I reached out to a few graduate schools, including my alma mater, and I’ve already gotten several referrals!
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I'm not really a dainty vase kind of person, but this lovely vase that once belonged to my husband's great aunt is just right for propagating a jade pothos cutting. It's been fun watching the roots stretch out in the water. |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
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