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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:
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Remember that clematis I thought I’d killed? It’s thriving. I told you about it back in Issue 90, and it’s still going strong with several new flowers about to open. 

While watering it yesterday afternoon, I noticed what was left of two blooms. Did you know that snipping off the spent flowers saves the plant energy and encourages fresh growth? It’s so satisfying to make those little cuts, knowing they make room for new life.
 
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Our work is a lot like that. Sometimes growth doesn’t come from adding more but from trimming back. We choose to let go of some things so there’s room for something better.
 
Here are a few ways you might “deadhead” in your proofreading or editing business:
  • Clear your digital clutter. Clean out your downloads folder, tidy up your desktop, and unsubscribe from emails you never open.
  • Trim one tiny habit. Maybe it’s constant inbox-checking or reaching for your phone the moment your mind wanders.
  • Simplify your services. Offering fewer things can make your favorite work shine brighter.
  • Release one client who drains you. It’s not easy, but freeing yourself from low-paying or stressful work creates space for something better.
  • Refresh your outreach. Use that extra space to send one friendly check-in to a past client or introduce yourself to someone new on LinkedIn.
These little snips can make a big difference. Just like the clematis, the effort you put in now can lead to the growth you’ve been hoping for.

If you had your pruning shears in hand, what would you cut first from your work or life? ✂️

 
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I can hardly believe this is Issue 92 of The Leaflet! As the newsletter heads toward its 100th issue, I’d love your input. 💚
 
I created a short survey where you can tell me what you like (or dislike) about The Leaflet. It’ll take just a few minutes, and your feedback will help shape what appears in future issues of the newsletter.
 
I truly value your opinion. Thanks in advance.
 

 
Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week:
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently:
  • A smarter way to use your LinkedIn Featured section: Rachel explains that many freelancers underuse LinkedIn’s Featured section. I like her approach of turning it into a visual menu that guides visitors to the next step, whether that’s booking a call or checking out your work. 🎯
     
  • Stop saying you “just” proofread: Dave makes a strong case for why proofreading deserves way more credit than it usually gets. His post is a great reminder that proofreaders don’t just catch commas; they protect reputations, polish ideas, and make brands appear credible. 🌟
     
  • Small mindset shifts that make a big difference: Colby shares 11 clever “If, Then” rules that reframe everyday struggles into simple, actionable choices. This list reminds me that better self-care often starts with a tiny mental rewire. 🧠
 

 
Catch of the Week:
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For context, this screenshot comes from a transcript of a personal injury case of a woman who was hurt at a coffee shop. The employee being deposed was describing the shop's self-serve condiment bar. 

A carafe is a bottle with a flaring lip that's often used to hold beverages. đź’ˇ
 
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:
Ariel from Scarlet Quill Editing
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
  • What type of content do you proofread or edit? 
    I work in nonfiction, historical fiction, romance, fantasy, young adult, new adult, mystery, and thriller.
     
  • Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
    I have been a freelance proofreader and editor for eight years for several publishers and three years for indie authors.
     
  • What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
    Working with authors to bring their message to the world!  
     
  • What's the most challenging part of your work?
    Being self-employed has time management challenges, but I love it. I think the hardest part of my job is self-promotion—advertising. 
     
  • What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
    I have recently read Story Genius by Lisa Cron. I highly recommend her tips and advice not only for writers but for developmental editors also. A great editor can ask the right questions and give tips to guide authors in their journey. We are all wired to recognize a good story when we hear or read one. Why is it so difficult to communicate this onto the page? Lisa Cron outlines details about asking WHY characters are choosing certain actions. What are their wounds and history that made them make this choice? Readers want to follow this!
     
Connect with Ariel: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
 

Plant Photo of the Week:
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New growth always stands out. On my Philodendron Moonlight, fresh leaves start neon yellow before settling into green. Just like starting something new in business, the beginning looks different. With time, however, it matures into confidence and strength. 🪴️
 

 
Let's keep growing together!
Julie
 

 
What did you think of today's email? I'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or feedback. Email julie@theproofreadergreenhouse.com
 
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.
 
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