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A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:
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Last week, I mentioned the start of Operation Thanksgiving Cactus and the tiny buds starting to show at the tips of my plant's leaves. If you haven't read last week's issue of The Leaflet, I encourage you to read that first. (Here's the link.)

I’m happy to report that the routine is still working. 😀 After another week of dark, cool evenings and bright, indirect light during the day, the buds are noticeably bigger. It’s amazing what small, consistent steps can do in just seven days.
 
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Growing our proofreading or editing business works the same way. Once we’ve clarified what we offer and made ourselves easier to find, the next step is to keep tending things by showing up regularly, sharing what we know, and staying connected. Over time, those steady actions help our business bloom.
 
In last week's issue, I shared Part 1 of Ten Ways to Encourage New Client “Blooms.” Here's Part 2:

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6. Share small bits of value.
Post short, useful tips your clients would actually use: a punctuation reminder, a mini checklist, or a “before sending your file” tip. Use the same idea across multiple social media platforms so it reaches more people.
 
7. Show up where your clients already hang out.
Join a few online spaces where writers or small business owners spend time like a Facebook group or a LinkedIn community. Offer a helpful comment or resource once a week so people start to recognize your name.
 
8. Create gentle time pressure.
Let people know when you have openings: “I’m booking two new projects for late November, and I’m happy to hold a spot for you.” A friendly availability post keeps your name in front of people.
 
9. Encourage happy clients to speak up.
When you deliver a project, ask your client this question: “What part of the proofreading (or editing) made your project easier or clearer?” Their answer can become a short testimonial or post quote (with permission).
 
10. Experiment with something new.
Try offering a service that stretches your skills: a “final eyes” pass for newsletters, a short proof of someone’s upcoming social media posts, or a light edit of a blog post or article. You might find a new type of work you enjoy.

Reply to this email and let me know which of these ideas you want to try first. I always enjoy hearing what you’re working on. 🌱
 

 
A Sneak Peek at Something Coming Soon 
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Something exciting showed up in my mailbox this week! I can’t share the actual goodies just yet, but seeing this packaging made everything feel real. I can’t wait to show you what’s growing behind the scenes. 🛍️
 

 
Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week:
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Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently. Click the links below to read them.
  • Fewer tools, more progress: Philippa explains how streamlining her systems made a huge difference in how she runs her business. Her setup is proof that you don’t need a complicated tech stack to stay on top of your work; you just need the right tools. 🧰
     
  • The intake form that saves future headaches: Julie shares her intake process, and it’s full of smart, practical questions that help set clear expectations before the editing or proofreading begins. I love how this approach filters out mismatches early and helps both sides feel more prepared. 🌟
     
  • Why editing after proofreading works better for some: David’s two-pass approach helps us see why editing and proofreading are best done with different mindsets. I love how he breaks down what each pass focuses on. He's found that starting with proofreading actually makes his editing sharper. 🔎
 

 
Catch of the Week:
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When I trained to be a transcript proofreader, the course included a list of errors that sometimes appear in legal transcripts. “Scrivener's error” was one of them. I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen it over the years, but this past week was one of them!
 
A scrivener is someone who writes or copies documents for others, usually with careful attention to detail. So a scrivener's error is an unintentional typo or clerical slip made while writing or entering information. I also learned that scrivener's palsy is a fancy name for writer's cramp. 🙂

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:
Caragh from CTC Editing Services
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:
  • What type of content do you proofread or edit? 
    I work on a wide range of non-fiction content, including website copy, blog posts, academic papers, journal articles, reports, and books. I also often work with authors for whom English is a second language, helping them communicate their ideas clearly and naturally. I really enjoy the variety; it keeps things interesting.
     
  • Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
    I completed the College of Media and Publishing’s Proofreading and Editing course as well as the CIEP’s References course. Both provided a solid grounding in editorial best practices. I also make a point of keeping up with ongoing professional development through CIEP webinars, blogs and newsletters, and self-directed learning. There’s always something new to learn in this field! 
     
  • What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
    I love the satisfaction of spotting errors or inconsistencies and helping people express their ideas clearly and confidently. I also love that my work exposes me to a wide range of topics and disciplines; I often end up reading about subjects I would never have explored otherwise, from dog training to occupational safety!
     
  • What's the most challenging part of your work?
    One of the biggest challenges is ensuring clients have clear and realistic expectations about what proofreading or editing involves. New clients, in particular, sometimes aren’t sure what level of service they need or underestimate the time and care required. Similarly, budget constraints can be challenging when clients undervalue editorial work. I’ve learned it’s important to recognise when to turn down low-paying projects and when smaller jobs might still be worthwhile to gain experience or build client relationships.

    Short deadlines can also be challenging; sometimes they’re unavoidable, but it’s essential to protect the quality of the work by allowing enough time to do it properly. And, like many freelancers, I find that marketing myself is an ongoing challenge; it’s easy to focus on client work and forget to promote my services.
     
  • What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
    Work in a way that suits your brain. Proofreading and copyediting require a lot of sustained concentration, so schedule your work for the times of day when you’re most alert and focused. I've also found that taking a longer break in the middle of the day helps reset my focus and boosts productivity in the later hours, especially if I can take a walk or get my body moving during that break.
 
Connect with Caragh: Website | LinkedIn
 

Plant Photo of the Week:
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This maple tree in my front yard will be losing its gorgeous leaves soon, but I'm soaking up the color while it lasts. 🍁
 

 
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
 
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Lexington, NC 27295, United States