A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
|
Earlier this week, I visited three places to look at houseplants.
First up was a warehouse-style nursery with rows of plants packed closely together. It’s a little messy, and you have to dig to find the healthy ones. But the prices are low, and the selection is huge.
Next, I swung by a big-box store to pick up some batteries and wandered into the garden center. The plants there looked okay, but no employees were around to answer questions, and nothing really caught my eye.
Last, I visited my favorite shop, The Tiny Greenhouse. Every plant is beautifully styled in a ceramic pot, perfectly watered and cared for. The owner knows me by name and always makes me feel welcome. The plants cost a little more, but the overall experience is worth it. |
|
Each of these places sells plants. But the experience is completely different.
We need to consider our client experience in our proofreading or editing businesses, too. Are we running a warehouse—high volume, low price, quick turnaround? Are we offering a catch-all service—reliable but not very personal? Or are we offering boutique services that provide an excellent experience that clients remember and return to?
Here are some practical ways to build a memorable proofreading or editing business that clients love: - Personalize the experience.
A warm welcome, a thoughtful question, or remembering the client's style preferences can make all the difference. - Polish your presentation.
Thoughtful comments, a clear summary of changes, or a quick note explaining tricky edits can show care and build trust. - Be easy to work with.
Smooth intake forms and prompt replies make your service feel seamless and professional. - Charge in a way that reflects your care and attention to detail.
If you're offering extra time, attention, or guidance, your rates should reflect that.
What kind of business are you growing? 🌱 |
|
A James Clear Quote to Ponder |
|
Notice what sparks your interest and makes you eager to open your laptop. Those are the clients and tasks worth saying yes to. ✅ |
|
Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
|
Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently: - A warm, thoughtful way to offer proofreading help: I love how Kelly worded this kind, confident post to her prospective clients. It reframes proofreading as a supportive final step, not a critique, and really captures the trust and care behind the work. ✨
- The secret to being relentlessly consistent: Colby’s post changes how I think about discipline: It's not about pushing harder, but about building systems that give you grace. His five methods make consistency feel totally doable. 💪🏻
- How to actually unplug on your next vacation: Ciera shares some smart, simple strategies that make taking time off as a solo worker feel less stressful. I especially like her idea of “buffer days” before and after a break. 💡
|
|
The capital “T” in “T-shirt” refers to the shape of the garment when it’s laid flat: The body and sleeves form a clear “T.” We see this kind of first-letter capitalization in other phrases, too, like “A-frame house” and “V-neck sweater.” 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: |
|
Kristin in Holland Editing |
|
The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
Nonfiction: memoirs, self-development books, popular nonfiction, theology and religion, academic works in the humanities
Fiction: contemporary fiction, women's fiction, romance
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
Trade book copyediting course through Editorial Arts Academy (2025)
Professional sequence in editing, UC Berkeley Extension (2023–2024)
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
There's never just one answer to this question, is there? My two favorite things about my editing business are 1) the trusting, respectful relationship I develop with my clients and 2) being part of the collaborative process that turns a good manuscript into a great manuscript.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
I feel frustrated by people who are not willing to invest in themselves and their creations. If you've spent months (or years, even) writing your manuscript, why would you cheat yourself out of a professional edit? You are worth it. Your readers are worth it. Luckily, (most of) the authors and academics I work with agree with me on this one and are willing to invest in themselves.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
I've met a lot of freelance editors, and one common trait I've noticed is that our joy of editing often leads to letting our work creep into our personal time. When I do this, it compromises my joy of editing. Also, once we're dialed in, we can sometimes go for hours without taking a break. Here are a few things I do to keep my work habits healthy:- Carve out free time.
- Even when you're swamped, make sure you carve out at least one day in a given week that's completely yours. Don't even open your business email or socials that day.
- Let your clients know ahead of time that you do not respond to emails or messages on that one day. And the most important client to inform of this deal? Yourself!
- Plan your breaks with a physical mind-body reward. You'll come back to your project feeling refreshed and powered up.
- Instead of powering through for hours, set a timer for a max of ninety minutes.
- When it goes off, finish the sentence, jot down where you are in the document, and then leave your workspace to do something physical. Here are some ideas:
|
|
I admit I've killed more than my share of ferns over the years. They need consistently moist soil and high humidity, which can be tough to manage indoors. But this fern lives in my little IKEA greenhouse, and I’m excited to see it putting out some new growth! Can you spot the curled-up fronds? 🪴 |
|
Let's keep growing together! |
|
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. |
|
7893 Old US Highway 52
Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
|
|
|
