A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Remember how I mentioned in last week’s Leaflet that the leaves on my maple tree would be falling soon? Well, many of the leaves did fall this week, and now they’re putting on a final show under the tree.
This reminds me that even when a season finishes, there’s still something good left behind. |
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The same is true for the proofreading or editing projects we finish. After we return a file to a client, our work continues to make a difference in ways we don’t always notice. Each completed project brings: - a client who feels lighter and more confident
- writing that’s clearer and easier to read
- momentum in our skills and confidence
- a ripple effect as our edits reach more people than we realize
- income that helps sustain our business
Look back at one project you finished recently and jot down three things it added to your client’s day or to your own business. Your work matters, even after the project is out of your hands. |
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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. - A graceful way to handle “Your rates are too high”: Kristen’s post is a thoughtful take on how to handle pricing conversations with confidence and clarity. I, too, have occasionally heard that my own proofreading rates are “too high,” so I appreciate her reminder that our pricing can reflect our experience, not just what people are used to paying. 💎
- How to spot (and keep) a dream client: We don’t talk enough about how much of a difference the right client can make. I love how Treasa explains what makes those clients so magical and how we can set ourselves up to attract more of them. ✨
- A smarter way to make grammar rules “stick”: As proofreaders and editors, we’re constantly using grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules, so it makes sense to keep learning (or at least reviewing) them regularly. Colby's post helps us learn how to remember what we learn. I especially liked his breakdown of the “2-7-30” Repetition Method. 🧠
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For some reason, I got an extra burst of joy when I spotted this error a few days ago. The words “not” and “naught” sound almost identical, especially when said quickly. The phrase “all for naught” is an old-fashioned way of saying “all for nothing.” 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 proofread and sometimes edit non-fiction. I often work on materials related to English as a Foreign Language (EFL) because I previously worked in that field before training as a proofreader. I also often get to work with charities, businesses and students.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I’ve completed the core proofreading courses offered by the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). When I decided to start working professionally as a proofreader, I knew I wanted to learn proper industry standards and work in a way that was both efficient and ethical. The CIEP really seemed to offer that.
I was especially interested in the ethical side of things because I’d previously taught English for Academic Purposes (EAP), helping university students with their academic writing. I knew some students look for editors to improve their work, and I wanted to be clear about how I could support them in doing their best without crossing any university boundaries. The courses and other CPD I’ve done with the CIEP have really helped me feel confident about where those lines are.
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
What I enjoy most about proofreading is helping clients express their ideas clearly and confidently. I love working with language, and I find it rewarding to use that fascination to support people in communicating effectively. It’s satisfying to spot and correct errors, of course, but even more so to know that the finished text reads smoothly and achieves what the writer intended. I also enjoy learning from the wide range of subjects my clients write about and from the discussions within the editing community.
- What's the most challenging part of your work?
The trickiest part is juggling everything that goes on behind the scenes with actually getting the proofreading done. Client work always comes first, of course, so things like marketing and other business admin can easily slide down the list. I’ve recently teamed up with an accountability buddy, which is making a real difference. It’s much harder to ignore those tasks when someone else is cheering you on!
- What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
My current favourite app is Todoist. In my ongoing effort to make my work and personal life run like a well-oiled machine, I have found it really useful. I'm still discovering new features and ways to get the most from it, but it is already helping me keep track of everything I need to do in my different roles—proofreader, mum and chair of the PTA—and stay more organised.
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I have good news and bad news. The good news is that my large philodendron has three new leaves this week! 🙂 The bad news is that I discovered tiny mealybugs tucked inside one of those rolled-up leaves. 😕 Did you know that pests are especially drawn to new leaves? I wrote an article about it, along with tips for resisting “pests” when you're just starting as a proofreader or editor. Click here to read it. |
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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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