A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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This week, I found myself face-to-face with a very smug grasshopper. He’d been quietly snacking on my clematis blooms I talked about in Issue 90. Because he was the exact shade of green as the leaves, I didn’t notice him until the damage was already done. 😭 |
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I tried shooing him away, but he kept coming back. Clearly, my clematis was irresistible. |
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Look carefully. Can you spot him? |
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That grasshopper reminded me of something we face every day: distractions that blend in. They don’t show up as big emergencies or dramatic interruptions. They slip in quietly: a quick email check, a notification, or a “just a sec” scroll. And before we know it, our time (and focus) is chewed up. Here are a few practical ways to spot (and swat) those distractions: - Create a focus trigger. Clear your desk, refill your drink, or light a candle to signal it’s time to work.
- Use a “landing pad” for distracting thoughts. Jot down random to-dos on a sticky note or notes app, and then get back to work.
- Try a focus soundtrack. Use white noise, instrumental music, or a looped soundscape (like rain or café chatter) to signal your brain it’s time to settle in.
- Change your view. Switch devices or print out a page to see errors more clearly.
- Set a timer for breaks you’ll actually take. Work for 25–45 minutes, then step away for 5–10 minutes.
- Work with your natural rhythm. Save your most difficult projects for the time of day you're the sharpest.
What’s one thing you do to protect your focus when you’re deep in a project? Reply to this email and tell me about it. 🦗 |
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In last week's Leaflet, I asked you if my beagle, Harley, should be the official mascot for The Proofreader Greenhouse. The votes are in, and it’s a resounding yes!
What better mascot for a proofreading community than a beagle with a sharp nose? Harley inspires us to sniff out errors in our proofreading and editing work. |
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Harley is officially on mascot duty. 🤎🤍🖤 |
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Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently: |
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Have you ever read a word or phrase and felt it wasn’t quite right but couldn’t put your finger on the correct one? That’s what happened when I saw the word “trace” in this transcript I was proofreading.
For context, the attorney is talking about a process server traveling around trying to find a witness to serve a subpoena. “Trace” just didn’t feel right. Then it clicked: The attorney likely said “traipse,” but I couldn’t remember how to spell it. 🤔
A quick search on Google and Merriam-Webster confirmed it. Since I didn’t have the transcript’s audio, I added a question mark so my client could confirm what was said.
This is the type of detective work that makes proofreading so satisfying.
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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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
I work primarily with Christian books, but I also edit clean secular fiction and nonfiction.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I've taken a number of courses through the PEN Institute, as well as a couple of courses from Louise Harnby and Club Ed.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I love helping new authors polish their work! I have a ton of respect for anyone who manages to write a book, and it's a joy to help authors get their stories out into the world with confidence.
- What's the most challenging part of your work?
Being a solopreneur means I'm not just editing, I'm doing everything else too. The marketing, the accounting, the website design, the social media—you name it. Learning how to manage that "everything else" has been a long process.
- What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
Join a professional editing organization, and take advantage of their learning and networking opportunities: classes, conferences, webinars, etc. This is without question the best investment I've ever made in my business.
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This Chinese evergreen was part of a basket of plants my family received when my dad died in May. It's thriving and will soon need to be moved to a larger pot. It's a reminder of life and growth, even in a season of loss. 💚 |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
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