A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Ever find yourself cleaning something you usually ignore, just because companyâs coming over? Yep, I did that this week.
We had visitors at our house on three different daysâfamily and friends celebrating my birthday. |
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I'm more of a plant person, but I loved having these birthday flowers on my table this week. |
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With all those guests coming through, I found myself doing some extra tidying. Not the usual sweep-the-kitchen-floor kind of cleaning. I mean the less frequent but more noticeable kind. For example: - I cleaned the refrigerator shelves because my mother-in-law was cooking dinner and bringing it to our house. I knew sheâd need to store several dishes in the fridge, and she'd see the inside, not just the outside.
- I dusted our picture frames because my nephewâs new girlfriend was coming over. Since sheâd never met us before, I figured she might pause to look at the photos and get a sense of whoâs who.
- I cleaned the living room window which is usually covered in Harleyâs noseprints. đś
These arenât things I clean every day. But when I knew extra eyes would be on my space, it gave me the nudge to make it more presentable.
The same thing happens in business. As proofreaders and editors, we often work behind the scenes, but when we know someone might be checking out our site, our portfolio, or our social media profiles, we suddenly notice the âsmudgesâ weâve been overlooking. So hereâs your gentle nudge for a few places you might want to clean up this week: - Your websiteâs About page or bio: Is it current? Would someone get an accurate, engaging picture of who you are now?
- Your testimonials and portfolio: Could you add a recent example or kind word from a happy client?
- Your pinned posts or featured links on LinkedIn: Do they still reflect the work you want to be known for?
- Your onboarding or rate info: Is it easy to find and up to date in case someone reaches out?
- Your Instagram highlights or link-in-bio page: Anything out of season or outdated?
đż If you had âguestsâ coming to check out your editing or proofreading presence this week, what would you tidy up first? Please reply and let me know. |
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Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently: - How to train your editorial eye: Amber reminds us how powerful it is to read with an editorâs lens, paying attention to structure, rhythm, and clarity instead of just getting swept up in the story. I love her bonus tip about re-editing a published page; itâs a smart way to sharpen instincts and learn from the pros. đď¸
- In proofreading, not all inconsistencies are mistakes: Lisa shares a great reminder that consistency matters but context matters more. Her example of âlow energyâ vs. âlow-energyâ shows how small edits can have a big impact on clarity. đ
- The underrated skill that wins editing clients: Ciera puts into words something Iâve definitely felt: Clear, timely communication from a service provider makes all the difference. Whether youâre hiring a proofreader, editor, or plumber, strong communication is what turns a task into a smooth, stress-free experience. ď¸â
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Celebrating a LinkedIn Milestone đ |
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The TPG page just passed 300 followers this week, and Iâm so grateful for everyone whoâs joined the journey! 𪴠If youâre not following along yet, come check it out ( here's the link). Weâre building a fun, helpful space for proofreaders and editors. I share behind-the-scenes peeks at my proofreading work, funny transcript typos, and encouragement for your business. |
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A person's descent is his ancestry or family background. 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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Mary Shannon of Red Letter Proofing |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
I proofread legal transcripts for court reporters and I love it!
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
Transcript Proofreading AcademyâI highly recommend it for anyone interested in this side of proofreading. I was given all the skills I need to run my business.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
There are so many things. It's hard to choose just one!
I get to make my business work for me. My schedule can change from week to week, and I need a workflow that can do the same. Also, I just love to serve others, so I love knowing I am helping my clients turn in their best work possible while giving them a well-deserved break. With the content I proof, no two transcripts are ever the same so it keeps me on my toes and I'm always learning something new.
Proofreading really did find me. Growing up I was always an observer and noticed the little things. I have also always loved colloquialisms, speech patterns, and accents. With court transcripts, they must be verbatim. I enjoy getting to read the different things people say, though they may not always be perfectly grammatically correct.
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
What I love most about having my own business can also be the most frustrating at times. I am my own boss which means freedom, but as someone who is relatively new to this life, the ebb and flow of freelance is something I am having to learn to get used to.
- What tips would you like to share with other proofreaders and editors?
Be personable. In this line of work, we are very often only corresponding over email or phone. While it is important to always remain professional, it's nice to know you're dealing with a real personâon both ends. In a world where everything is becoming more and more automated, it's nice to maintain that personal touch that only we can provide.
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Plant Photos of the Week: |
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I spotted these bachelor's buttons outside the restaurant where I enjoyed a birthday lunch this week. This plant is a type of cornflower. I love the purple/orange combination. 𪴠|
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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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