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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What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
What Is the Difference Between an Acronym and an Initialism?
Published Nov 30, 2023
Last Updated Apr 14, 2025Do you know the difference between an acronym and an initialism? They are both types of abbreviations, and both terms refer to shortened forms made up of a set of capitalized letters (rather than a shortened word, such as Dr.). However, they have different meanings and work in different ways. To help you nail down […]
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How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing
How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing
Published Nov 28, 2023
Last Updated Feb 10, 2025Style guides are a vital resource for any proofreader or editor. But not every client will have one. And in some cases, you may need to create a custom style sheet when editing a document. But when do you need to create a style sheet? And what should it include? What Is a Style Guide? […]
What Are Proofreading Marks? A Beginner’s Guide
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Proofreading Resources: Online Dictionaries
Published Nov 21, 2023
Last Updated Nov 21, 2024Online dictionaries are an essential tool for proofreaders and editors. As a proofreader, you’re probably very proud of your vocabulary – but we all need to look up words now and then! To save yourself some time, it pays to bookmark a few online dictionaries. But which are the best online dictionaries for proofreaders? Keep […]
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Editing Tips: Widows and Orphans Explained
Published Nov 16, 2023
As a proofreader, if you work with a publisher, they might ask you to look out for widows and orphans in a typeset text. But this can be tricky, as not everyone uses these words in the same way! In this post, then, we’ll explain the basics, including: Read on below to find out what […]
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How to Proofread Resumes and CVs
Published Nov 14, 2023
Last Updated Jun 24, 2024As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to check resumes and CVs. These documents come in many types, so it is worth knowing how they work so you can proofread them effectively. In this blog post we’re going to explain: The difference between a resume and a CV The three most common types of […]
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How Long Should a Sentence Be?
Published Nov 10, 2023
Last Updated Dec 15, 2023Have you ever wondered how long a sentence should be? Sentence length plays a crucial role in conveying a message effectively. Finding the right balance between conciseness and detail can make or break your content. As a proofreader or editor, you may need to support your clients in adjusting the length of their sentences. In […]
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A Guide to Citing Shakespeare in Academic Writing
Published Nov 09, 2023
Last Updated Nov 26, 2024Are you confident when it comes to citing Shakespeare? Shakespeare’s plays are so influential that many style guides have special rules for citing them. As a proofreader, you’ll need to look out for citations like these when working on academic writing and make sure they have been added correctly. If you’re not sure how to […]
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How to Use Google Ngram Viewer While Proofreading
Published Nov 07, 2023
Last Updated Jan 02, 2025Google offers many tools that a proofreader or editor can use. One of the most underappreciated is the Google Books Ngram Viewer, which you can use to see how common certain words are. So, how does the Ngram Viewer work? And how can you use it while proofreading and editing? What Is an N-gram? An […]
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What's the Difference Between Active and Passive Voice?
What's the Difference Between Active and Passive Voice?
Published Nov 05, 2023
Last Updated Mar 28, 2025Do you know the difference between active and passive voice? Don’t worry if you don’t! It’s an area that’s often misunderstood or overlooked, especially by those who are new to proofreading. But understanding the effect and purpose of both the active and the passive voice is valuable for proofreaders and editors. By recognizing the distinction […]
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Halloween or Hallowe’en?
Halloween or Hallowe’en?
Published Oct 31, 2023
Boo! Grab your masks, pumpkins, and bowls of candy. It’s that time of the year again! Halloween is celebrated on October 31 in the US and other parts of the world. Though you’re probably familiar with the spelling Halloween, you might have come across an alternative spelling: Hallowe’en. In this post, we’ll talk about where […]
