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!

  • How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    How and When to Use Sic in a Quotation

    Oct 26, 2023

    • Academic Editing
    • 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

    Oct 19, 2023

    • 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?

    Oct 03, 2023

    • 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"

    Sep 27, 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?

    Sep 19, 2023

    • Professional
    • 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 general overview of what a proofreader […]

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  • How to Use Colons and Semicolons (with Examples)

    Sep 17, 2023

    • 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 include 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

    Sep 12, 2023

    • 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?

    Sep 10, 2023

    • 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

    Sep 07, 2023

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

    Learning how to spot a credible source is an important skill. As an academic editor, part of your job may involve making sure your client has backed up their argument by citing credible sources. But how can you tell whether a source is reliable or not? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at: […]

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  • What Are the 3 Types of Irony?

    What Are the 3 Types of Irony?

    Sep 02, 2023

    • 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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