A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator: |
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Happy 2026, friends!
My ponytail palm usually sits in front of this large window in our living room. It loves full sun and thrives there. During December, I moved it out of that spot so our Christmas tree could go there instead. For about a month, the palm got some light, just not the light it prefers or is used to. On January 1, I took the Christmas tree down, and the palm went back to its window. Almost immediately, it looked happier. Nothing about the plant had changed. It was simply back where it thrives. |
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For proofreaders and editors, the holiday season often brings temporary shifts. Client work may slow, routines change, and things feel a little less predictable. That can feel unsettling, especially if you rely on structure to do your best work. But a seasonal change in conditions doesn’t mean something is wrong. January doesn’t have to be about reinventing your business or fixing yourself. That feels like a lot of pressure! Sometimes it’s just about returning to what already works. Here are a few practical ways to do that: - Keep your work hours steady, even if the workload isn’t. Try keeping your usual start and stop times for the first couple of weeks of January. If your client load is lighter, use that time for low-pressure work like organizing projects, updating templates, or completing administrative tasks. Sticking to that structure can make the day feel more predictable, even if there’s less paid work.
- Return to the tools and workflows you already trust. January doesn’t have to be the time to fix everything at once. Familiar systems can support focus while you settle back in. You can always explore new tools once your rhythm returns.
- Choose one habit to keep unchanged. It might be how you start your day, how you take breaks, or how you close out the workday. Let everything else stay flexible, but protect that one anchor. Consistency in one small place can go a long way.
Like my ponytail palm, your skills didn’t disappear during a different season. They’re still there, ready to respond once you’re back in supportive conditions. January can simply be about placing yourself back where you do your best work and letting things grow from there. 🪴 |
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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. - Use this tool to avoid editing burnout: Hilary introduces us to Pomofocus, a simple tool that breaks editing into focused sprints with built-in breaks. It’s a great way to deal with lengthy editing or proofreading sessions. ⏱️
- The sneaky typos spell-check might miss: Dave reminds us that even the best spell-checker can’t catch everything. His list of common hidden typos is a must-read for anyone who works with words. Human-powered proofreading still matters. 🕵️♂️
- Yes, introverts can thrive as editors and proofreaders: Philippa reminds us that introversion isn’t something to overcome in editorial work; it’s actually a strength that supports deep thinking and meaningful collaboration. 🌿
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The suffix -ese means “the language or style of.” It refers to a particular way of speaking or writing.
For example, computerese is tech jargon, Vietnamese is the language of Vietnam, and legalese is the specialized language of the legal profession. 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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Joanne from Think Communications |
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The Proofreader Greenhouse asked: - What type of content do you proofread or edit?
I provide editing services for a range of non-fiction projects, with a focus on subject-matter-expert material. Clients have included nonprofits; government bodies (including the G20); legal, academic and directory publishers; businesses; and graduate students. Subject areas encompass international policy, Canadian law, land conservation, public housing, parenting and green business, to name a few.
Expertise in content design, writing, and transcription review complements my work to ensure all publication elements work together.
- Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
Editors Canada: Plain Language and Editors, Content Design, 8-Step Editing, HTML, Manuscript Evaluation, Proofreading for Businesses, What AI Can't Do, Decolonizing Editing
- What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I love fixing things. It's satisfying to help writers finesse their message and to eliminate roadblocks for readers. And learning – since I work on many topics that are new to me, it's a huge perk.
- What's the most challenging part of your work?
I've been lucky in the past that a lot of my work came from referrals. Times are different now, and it requires extra focus to identify and seek out new clients.
- What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
We need solid foundational knowledge, whether we get it from a school or certificate program or benefit from the wisdom of mentors in the workplace. Once you have this foundation, keeping up on trends, especially with regard to conscious language, and continuing to learn new things, whether from the subject matter you work on or from professional development opportunities, is key. It's a process!
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I spotted this bromeliad at a local conservatory this week. Beautiful! |
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Let's keep growing together! |
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