Style
In these posts, we look at how proofreaders and editors should approach different writing styles and document types. Let us know if there are any style issues you'd like us to cover on the blog.
How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing
How to Write a Style Sheet for Proofreading or Copy Editing
Nov 28, 2023
Style 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? […]
How to Proofread Resumes and CVs
How to Proofread Resumes and CVs
Nov 14, 2023
As 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 […]
A Guide to Citing Shakespeare in Academic Writing
How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation
Oct 26, 2023
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 […]
How to Capitalize Titles
Sep 12, 2023
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 […]
What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?
Apr 17, 2023
Affect and effect are examples of homophones – two words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. People frequently confuse the two words because we often use affect and effect in similar contexts. This blog post will explore the difference between affect and effect and help you know which one to use – […]
How to Cite Translated Works in APA Style
Feb 18, 2023
Let’s talk about APA references! You may feel confident citing straightforward sources – but what do you do if you come across something that’s not as common? If you’re conducting research or editing an academic text, you may come across a work that’s been translated from a different language. It’s important to know how to […]
Titles in Academic Writing
Oct 11, 2022
In academic writing, a strong title hooks the reader, reflects the tone and content of the paper, and contains keywords to increase the paper’s visibility on search engines. If you’re an editor working with academic clients, you may need to highlight issues in their titles and subtitles. Read on for some tips on how to […]
Proofreading Tips: When Should You Write Out Numbers in Full?
Aug 12, 2022
Style guides vary a lot on even the basics of how to write numbers. APA style, for instance, recommends writing out numbers under 10 as words and using numerals for larger numbers. But Chicago style recommends writing out numbers up to and including 100. And MLA style recommends writing out any number that can be […]
Proofreading Tips: Plagiarism in Business Writing
Proofreading Tips: Plagiarism in Business Writing
Jun 28, 2022
While plagiarism is less obviously a problem in business writing than in, say, creative or academic writing, it can still be an issue. And a good proofreader may need to highlight plagiarism in their client’s work. But what does plagiarism look like in the context of business writing? And how do you address it? In […]
When Can You Use the First Person in Academic Writing?
When Can You Use the First Person in Academic Writing?
Dec 05, 2021
Many students are taught not to use the first person in academic writing. But is it always the case that you shouldn’t? And when should a proofreader change or comment on the point of view in scholarly work? In this post, we’ll explain the basics, including: For more advice on all of the above, read […]