Proofreading Tips
Whether you’re just getting started or are an experienced proofreader, there’s always something new to learn. That’s where our blogs come in! We've got expert advice on spelling, grammar, punctuation, referencing, proofreading different types of writing (from creative to business and academic), and much more!
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Is AI a Threat to Proofreading Jobs?
Is AI a Threat to Proofreading Jobs?
Published Aug 16, 2020
Last Updated Jun 20, 2024Is AI a threat to proofreading jobs? It is true that proofreading software is getting more sophisticated, now offering stylistic tips as well as flagging typos. But there are some things a human proofreader can do that a machine will always struggle with, including: Gauging whether the style and tone of a document are appropriate. […]
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Editing Tips: What Are Word Divisions?
Editing Tips: What Are Word Divisions?
Published Aug 09, 2020
Last Updated Aug 07, 2023When proofreading a typeset text, such as the page proofs for a book, you may need to look for issues with word divisions. But what is a word division in proofreading? And how should proofreaders approach them when checking a document? In this post, we explain the basics. What Are Word Divisions? Part of typesetting […]
What Is ACS Referencing?
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How To Use Punctuation in Chicago Style
Published Jul 23, 2020
Last Updated Mar 10, 2025The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) contains a lot of information on punctuation! Some is just to remind the reader of standard usage (e.g. that a sentence should end in a period). But as a proofreader, it pays to know the subtleties of punctuation in Chicago style. Periods and Abbreviations in Chicago Style When it […]
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5 Misused Phrases to Watch Out for While Proofreading
Published Jul 19, 2020
Last Updated Nov 18, 2024Proofreading is much easier when you know what to look for in a document. That’s why we cover many common errors in our Becoming A Proofreader course. And to help you spot even more mistakes, in this post, we’re looking at five commonly misused phrases. First Come, First Serve (First Come, First Served) That’s it […]
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Specialist Systems: AMA Referencing
Published Jul 12, 2020
Last Updated Feb 03, 2025In our Becoming A Proofreader course, we look at some of the most widely used referencing systems, including APA, Chicago, MLA, and IEEE. But there are other systems available! In this post, for instance, we’re going to introduce the basics of AMA referencing. What Is AMA Referencing? AMA referencing is the citation style recommended by […]
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Editing Tips: How to Punctuate Dates
Published Jul 09, 2020
Last Updated Dec 31, 2024There are various ways to punctuate dates, and this can pose a challenge for proofreaders. When should you correct punctuation in dates in a document? And how does punctuating dates vary in different situations? In this post, we answer your punctuation questions. Punctuating Numerical Date Formats Commas Between Days and Years in Dates The US […]
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A Guide to Secondary Citations (AMA, APA, Chicago and MLA)
Published Jun 28, 2020
Last Updated May 16, 2023 -
Understanding the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word
Published Jun 25, 2020
Last Updated Jan 02, 2025The spellchecker in Microsoft Word cannot replace expert proofreading, but it can be a useful tool for proofreaders. We look at this in our Becoming A Proofreader course. However, to make the most of this tool, you need to understand the proofing options in Microsoft Word. How to Access the Proofing Options in Microsoft Word […]
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A Guide to Proofreading LaTeX Documents
A Guide to Proofreading LaTeX Documents
Published Jun 21, 2020
Last Updated Feb 04, 2025If you do a lot of academic proofreading, you will almost certainly encounter LaTeX at some point. And no, this doesn’t have anything to do with rubber gloves or clothing! To find out about the LaTeX system and what you need to know as proofreader, check out our guide below. What Is LaTeX? LaTeX (pronounced […]
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Editing Tips: How to Format Block Quotes
Editing Tips: How to Format Block Quotes
Published Jun 18, 2020
Last Updated Jul 06, 2024When proofreading academic writing, you may come across longer passages of quoted text. And while you would not usually edit quotations, most referencing systems require longer passages to be formatted as block quotes. In this post, we look at how that works. What Are Block Quotes? A block quote or block quotation is a quotation […]
