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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    How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    Published Oct 26, 2023
    Last Updated Jul 06, 2024

    • Academic Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    When proofreading, you might see the term sic used in a quotation. However, many people misuse this term or use it when there is an alternative available. As such, proofreaders and editors should make sure they know how and when to use this term in a quotation. In this blog post, we explore: What sic […]

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    Word Confusion: Biennial vs. Biannual

    Word Confusion: Biennial vs. Biannual

    Published Oct 19, 2023
    Last Updated Nov 28, 2024

    • Common Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    Do you know when to use biennial vs. biannual? While the two words look and sound similar, there is a meaningful difference. Some similar words are so familiar and so different in meaning that, should a client muddle them up, you will notice them right away. For instance, if an essay refers to Darwin’s theory […]

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What Are Auxiliary Verbs? (With Examples)

  • What Is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

    What Is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

    Published Oct 03, 2023
    Last Updated Apr 15, 2025

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Do you know the difference between proofreading and editing? People often use the terms interchangeably, but proofreading and editing are, in fact, distinct tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explain: Read on to learn more. The Stages of the Publication Process Editing and proofreading are both ways to polish a piece of writing. However, they […]

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    Dialogue Tags: 10 Other Ways to Say "Said"

    Published Sep 27, 2023
    Last Updated Dec 15, 2023

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips

    Effective dialogue tags are a powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal, helping to bring characters and conversations to life. While the trusty old “said” is a reliable choice, there are countless other options to explore. If you proofread or edit creative writing, you’ve probably encountered manuscripts overloaded with “said” dialogue tags. Today, we’ll show you […]

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    What Are the Different Types of Proofreading?

    Published Sep 19, 2023
    Last Updated Mar 26, 2025

    • Proofreading Tips

    As a freelance proofreader, you need to be familiar with the different types of proofreading and the work they involve. You’ll likely work with a wide variety of clients on a range of document types, each of which will have its own requirements.  In this post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the major types […]

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    How to Use Colons and Semicolons (with Examples)

    Published Sep 17, 2023
    Last Updated Apr 29, 2025

    • Proofreading Tips
    • Punctuation

    Colons and semicolons are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually two distinct punctuation marks with very different purposes. In this post, we’ll review how to use colons and semicolons and share examples. We’ll cover: Keep reading for more on colons and semicolons! What’s the Difference Between a Colon and a Semicolon? A colon (:) is […]

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    How to Capitalize Titles (4 Common Styles)

    Published Sep 12, 2023
    Last Updated Nov 25, 2024

    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    As a proofreader, you need to know how to capitalize titles correctly. However, this process is not always straightforward because the rules about capitalizing titles can vary between different style guides. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to capitalize titles by focusing on the four common styles of title capitalization: Title case, which […]

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    May or Might: What’s the Difference?

    Published Sep 10, 2023
    Last Updated Jun 04, 2024

    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    If you spot a factual error while proofreading a document, you may or might want to take action. You may point it out in a comment, or you might want to leave it alone. Wait, is there a difference between may and might? You might believe there is no difference, but there is! May and […]

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    How to Spot a Credible Source

    How to Spot a Credible Source

    Published Sep 07, 2023
    Last Updated Mar 26, 2025

    • Academic Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Referencing and Citations

    Whether you’re a proofreader, an academic editor, or someone who simply wants reliable information, learning how to spot a credible source is vital.  This guide explores everything you need to know: Types of Sources There are many kinds of sources, but they generally fall into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary Sources A primary […]

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    What Are the 3 Types of Irony?

    What Are the 3 Types of Irony?

    Published Sep 02, 2023
    Last Updated Jun 29, 2024

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips

    Did you know that there are three types of irony? Each works slightly differently, but all three are effective ways to draw a reader’s attention. If you’re not familiar with them yet, don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll: Keep reading to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about irony! What Is Irony? Irony […]

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