The Leaflet Newsletter 121 🍃 [March 28, 2026]

A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

Julie, founder of The Proofreader Greenhouse

I have 45 houseplants, but there’s only one I call my favorite.

It’s my plumosa fern (Asparagus setaceus).

I love all my plants, but this one stands out. The leaves are delicate and feathery, it consistently puts out new growth, and it’s easy to care for.

Your clients probably have a favorite proofreader or editor too. Some writers work with multiple proofreaders or editors, while others stick with just one. Either way, they know what makes someone a favorite. And it’s rarely about who’s the smartest or the most skilled. It’s about who makes their job easier, more efficient, and less stressful.

So how can you be your client's favorite?

The favorite proofreader or editor is the one who:

Delivers clean, consistent work that doesn’t need double-checking (style, formatting, clear edits)
Catches issues that would otherwise slip through (names, numbers, inconsistencies, repeats)
Communicates clearly without leaving the client guessing (concise questions, grouped notes)
Fits smoothly into the client’s workflow (follows preferences, meets deadlines)
Makes thoughtful decisions instead of flagging everything (fixes what’s obvious, flags what needs the client’s input)

In short, they reduce the client’s workload, not add to it.

And maybe that’s what a “favorite” really comes down to, whether it’s a plant or a proofreader. It’s not just that it looks good or does the job. It’s that it quietly, consistently makes everything around it better.

When your client has a choice, are you the one they hope is available? ✨

Favorite LinkedIn Posts This Week:

Here are three posts I enjoyed reading on LinkedIn recently. Click the links below to read them.

Why transparency wins clients: Lisa reminds us that we don’t need a perfect sales strategy to win clients, just honesty about what we can and can’t do. 🌟
The compounding power of referrals: Liz helps us see that a single referral is great, but repeat referrals are what really signal trust in our work. 🔁
The limits of self-proofreading: Amy reminds us why proofreading our own work is so tricky, because the brain fills in what it expects instead of what’s actually on the page. 👀

If you're on LinkedIn, click here to follow The Proofreader Greenhouse or click here to follow me.

Catch of the Week:

You might already be aware of this, but just in case . . .

This insurance company's name actually started as an acronym (Government Employees Insurance Company). That's why it's written in all caps, not just an initial cap on “G.”

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:

Annie Fay Meitchik

The Proofreader Greenhouse asked:

What type of content do you proofread or edit?
As a structural editor with a Big Four publisher, I primarily specialize in gift books and content related to mindfulness and mental well-being. I also use my expertise and passion for championing underrepresented storytellers to support novelists, children’s book authors, and screenwriters.
Did you complete training for proofreading or editing?
I earned my BA in Creative Writing from The New School and also hold a Certificate in Children’s Book Writing from UC San Diego.
What's your favorite thing about your proofreading or editing work?
I love the creative problem-solving that comes with editing. Following house style guides, collaborating with authors, and ensuring a book is the best it can possibly be is incredibly rewarding. Editing feels like a word game or puzzle to me, and I reach a flow state as I arrange all the pieces and refine an author’s work to highlight the beauty of their writing. I also love celebrating authors throughout the editorial process from wrapping revisions to sharing photos of their book in my hands and in stores.
What's the most challenging part of your work?
Being in the freelance space, the question of when I will receive my next project is the most daunting aspect. I love what I do and it’s been challenging to diversify and expand my client list or find full-time work as an editor (especially as the use of AI is continuing to be used more and more for proofreading and editing).
What tip(s) can you share with other proofreaders or editors?
Being an avid reader and writing for yourself consistently inform the editorial process. I read 119 books in 2025 and my exposure to the market provides me with invaluable insights. As an internationally published author myself, I’ve had the privilege to be on the other side of the editorial process working with editors on my books which has significantly shaped the way I provide feedback and comments. I always think of myself and an author as being on the same team to make a book the best it can be, together.

Connect with Annie: Website | LinkedIn

Plant Photo of the Week:

We're eight months away from Thanksgiving, but my Thanksgiving cactus is blooming again! 🙂🌵

Let's keep growing together!

Julie

VISIT THE PROOFREADER GREENHOUSE

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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