A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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This week, my family and I traveled from North Carolina to Michigan for a special reason.
My dad passed away in May, and it was his wish to be buried in the state where he was born. During our trip, we visited his grave and spent time at places he loved in his youth. It was both a memorial and a celebration of his life.
One of the places we visited was St. Joseph, Michigan, where two lighthouses stand 450 feet apart. They were built to guide ships into the narrow channel of the St. Joseph River. From the lake, a captain would line up the shorter front light with the taller rear light; when the two appeared stacked, the ship was safely on course. If they didn’t line up, the vessel risked running onto sandbars.
One lighthouse without the other wasn't enough. Together, they made the path clear. |
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Come to think of it, this mirrors the work of editors and proofreaders. An editor steps in first to shape the structure, flow, and clarity of a piece. A proofreader comes later, checking the fine details. Each role is different, but both are essential. Just like those lighthouses, proofreaders and editors aren’t in competition with each other. Writers need both lights shining.
Think about where your light shines brightest—editing, proofreading, or both—and celebrate the value you bring. 🪴 |
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Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week: |
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently: - One of the best Oxford comma memes I've seen: I've seen many memes about the Oxford comma, but this is one of my favorites. 😆
- The case for taking a proper break from work: Siân’s post is a great reminder that short breaks aren’t the same as true rest. If it’s been a while since you took time away from your desk, this is your sign to plan something just for you. 🌿
- 1.4 million more words by kindergarten? Amber’s post reminds us of the impact reading can have, especially when it comes to language development. As editors and proofreaders, we know how much every word matters, and this is a great example of how early exposure to language makes a difference. 📖
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An edition is a version or release of a book, magazine, or other published work. An addition is something extra that is added, often a new part of a building or an increase in number. 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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Teresa from The Wordsmith VA |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
I mainly focus on proofreading legal transcripts for court reporters. But I also proofread and edit business materials, academic materials, and books of all genres.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I graduated from the Transcript Proofreading Theory & Practice™ course as well as the General Proofreading Theory & Practice™ course. I also have a bachelor's degree in journalism and more than 15 years of professional experience in marketing and communications for a variety of industries.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
Proofreading isn’t just about catching typos. It’s about bringing out the very best in someone’s words. I take what’s already good and polish it until it shines. To me, proofreading is like being a behind-the-scenes superhero. Writers pour their hearts and minds onto the page, and I swoop in to make sure their messages are as strong, sharp, and impactful as they imagined. Proofreading is joy in the details, magic in the margins, and satisfaction in the small victories. It’s the art of making sure every writer’s message comes through loud and clear without the reader ever noticing the work that went into it. I’m proudly saving the world by correcting one grammar mistake at a time.
- What's the most challenging part of your work?
It is challenging to see my clients make the same mistakes consistently between transcripts. I feel like my edits are being ignored or maybe my clients don't see the value in what I bring to their work. So it's a breath of fresh air when a client genuinely wants to improve his or her writing by asking questions and learning why I suggested a particular edit. I'm a proofreader and a grammar teacher all in one.
- What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
You're not alone! There is a large proofreading community out there, easily accessible through many online communities. Don't be afraid to ask questions of fellow proofreaders. And keep learning! Grammar is an ever-changing field, so we have to stay up to date on the latest trends and changes. Your fellow proofreaders are an invaluable source of information and advice. Make friends with them and reach out whenever you need some proofreading camaraderie. We're all in this together!
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Plant Photos of the Week: |
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I was delighted to see so many beautiful plants in the Grand Rapids airport this past week. 😃
They looked so perfect that I had to look closely to see if they were real. Just then, an airport employee walked by and proudly said, “There are no fake plants in the Grand Rapids airport.” Nice! |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States |
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