A Note from Julie, the Greenhouse Curator:

This week, I reached a pretty big milestone: 10 years in my proofreading business. 🎉 It’s hard to believe it’s been that long.
 

I spent some time this week adding up my page totals from those years. It turns out I’ve proofed 466,601 transcript pages since I started. 🤯
 

When I look at that number, what stands out to me isn’t the number itself, but the steady work behind it.

I’ve been thinking about what’s different now compared to when I first started. In many ways, I’m a different person now than I was back then.

 

I've learned that the more I read, the more I know.

 

I’ve picked up legal phrases, medical terms, and patterns in how people speak and write. My accuracy has improved simply because I’ve read so much.

And, of course, my grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills have grown stronger. Correcting transcripts of verbatim speech has stretched me in ways I didn't anticipate.

 

Over time, I’ve built strong relationships with my clients. We’ve gotten to know each other in the small ways that come from working together regularly.

 

In the beginning, I worried they’d be able to tell I didn’t have much experience as a proofreader. That concern didn't last long.

 

Now, instead of questioning my edits, they ask how they can write something more clearly. They want to learn.

 

When I first started, I didn’t have a clear system for managing projects. I was juggling a full-time job and proofreading on the side, often feeling scattered.

 

That’s changed completely since proofreading is now my full-time work. I still have to juggle multiple projects, though.

 

My custom Airtable system helps with that. Clients submit files through a form that organizes everything automatically, and I use automations to return completed work.

 

I’ve also developed the habit of time tracking and time blocking. I'm able to plan my days more intentionally and stay focused on one project at a time.

 

As my workload has grown, I’ve needed that structure more and more. I couldn’t manage the volume I have now without it.

This is still a work in progress.

 

I used to be afraid of missing too many errors in a file, raising my rates, or having slower months with less income.

 

Some of those fears have eased with experience, feedback, and referrals from clients who value my work.

 

Slower months still make me nervous, but I’ve started setting aside money from more profitable months as a buffer. It makes the slower months easier to handle financially.

 

I’ve also learned how much self-discipline this work requires. I still procrastinate at times, but working ahead, especially on larger projects, makes everything feel more manageable.

 

In the beginning, I counted all seven days of the week as business days in my turnaround times.

 

I was working a full-time job and building my proofreading business on the side, so I accepted proofreading projects whenever I could.

 

I quickly realized how much I wanted (and needed) to spend weekends with my family. So I made a change: I stopped counting weekends as business days in my turnaround times.

 

I wasn’t sure how my clients would respond, but they were more supportive than I expected. Now I have better focus during the week and better rest on the weekends.

If “2016 Julie” could see this version of me and my proofreading business, I think she’d be surprised by how much more confident, organized, and settled things feel.

 

If you’re earlier in your journey, I hope my story gives you a clearer picture of what growth can look like, even if it takes time to get there.

 

Ten years ago, I was just getting started. I’m grateful for what this work has taught me, one project at a time. 💚

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

Let’s not mix these up. 🤭
 

stocking: putting items on shelves (verb); fitted legwear (noun)

stalking: persistently following or observing someone in an intrusive way
 

Amy from Finishing Touches LLC

 

I captured this photo at a local garden this week. Before a peony even opens, it produces extrafloral nectar, a sugary liquid found on its buds, not inside the bloom. The ants can't resist.

 

Remember that the right clients are drawn to service providers who clearly show what they do and who they help. 🐜

Let's keep growing together!

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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