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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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I thought I'd killed my clematis. Turns out, it was just getting started. |
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When I saw the dead leaves at the base of this plant, I figured I’d lost it for good. But while I wasn’t paying attention, a runner was climbing the trellis. Now there are two bright blooms at the top (and more coming soon).
It’s a good reminder for us as proofreaders and editors: Just because something looks quiet (or even dead) doesn’t mean it’s done growing. |
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Here are a few ways this can show up in our proofreading or editing work: - The client who’s been quiet suddenly pops back up. Maybe they’ve been swamped or working with someone else for a bit, but when they’re in a bind, they remember you came through for them before.
- An old lead finally takes root. Someone who asked for your rates months (or even years) ago might circle back because the timing is finally right or because they weren’t as happy with their last choice.
- The summer slowdown gives way to a busy fall. Seasonal dips are normal. Sometimes the quiet months are just the rest your business needs before things ramp up again.
- Past marketing finally pays off. That LinkedIn post, email, or connection you made long ago might still be quietly working for you in the background.
- A paused project springs back to life. A manuscript or transcript that was on hold can suddenly be ready to go, often without much warning.
- Your own energy returns. Even if client work hasn’t changed, a shift in your confidence, focus, or creativity can feel like watching the first new bloom after months of bare stems.
So if things feel slow right now, don’t assume the roots are dead. Sometimes, growth is happening where you can’t see it. One day, you’ll look up and find your own “surprise blooms” waiting for you.
What’s one “bloom” you’ve experienced lately that reminded you to keep going? Reply to this email and tell me about it. 🌺 |
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Every proofreader, editor, and word enthusiast has a “how it started” story. What’s yours?
I’ve been thinking about mine lately because next week I’m going to share it with you: the moment the seed was planted and how it eventually grew into the work I do now.
But before I share mine, I’d love to hear yours. What planted the seed for your love of proofreading, editing, or words?
Was it a teacher who inspired you? A job that nudged you in this direction? A love of grammar and language that’s been with you for as long as you can remember? Or something else entirely?
I created a two-question survey so you can tell me. Next week, I’ll share the results and include some of your stories alongside mine.
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Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently: - The power of a quick client check-in: Lisa shows how a short, friendly email can spark new work, sometimes without you even asking. I’m reminded that staying top of mind with clients isn’t about fancy pitches; it’s about genuine connection and consistent follow-up. 💌
- How to turn your content into a client magnet: Anjeanette shows how focusing on authority-building content can turn things around. Suddenly, clients are the ones reaching out to you. Her results are proof that when you share real insights and experiences, the right people find you. 🧲
- Editors are here to help, not judge: Joanne debunks the myth that editors are grammar police, reminding us that our job is to help, not criticize. I love her analogy: Just like you wouldn’t apologize to a plumber for a clog, a writer doesn't need to apologize to an editor for imperfect sentences. ️🤝
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For context, this screenshot comes from a transcript of a workers' compensation case. The attorney was questioning the witness who'd worked for the same company during two different periods of time. The case had nothing to do with medicine.
A stent is a small tube placed inside a blood vessel or other passage in the body to keep it open. A stint is a period of time spent doing a particular job or activity.💡 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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Lisa from The Enlightened Edit |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
As I am at the start of my editing and proofreading career, I've yet to find my specialty. At the moment, I am open to pretty much anything from fiction to website content, blogs to marketing emails. I'd love to do more fiction work, perhaps romance, mystery or thrillers, and I'd especially love to work with independent and first-time authors to help them make their dreams of publishing a book a reality.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I completed a diploma in Proofreading and Editing at QLS Level 4 from the College of Media and Publishing.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
My favourite thing about proofreading and editing is helping people. I love grammar and I love "tidying" things up. The jobs that some authors may think a burden, I actually find quite fun!
- What causes you the most frustration in your work?
The biggest frustration I have is putting myself out there and asking for work. This is a new type of venture for me! I'm an English teacher by trade, so marketing myself is totally new to me. I just want to edit, but instead I need to learn all about marketing and so on. It's been fun to learn new things, but I'd much rather be getting my teeth into someone else's writing and helping them produce their best work.
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Last weekend, I spent a few minutes at Reynolda Gardens in nearby Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and this serene spot looks just perfect for some reading. Can you picture yourself sitting there with a good book? ❤️ |
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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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