Proofreading Is Different from Editing
You've probably asked a friend or family member to read something you wrote to get their opinion. Did she understand it? Did she like it? How can you make your ideas clear? What you asked her to do was edit your work.
Editing or copy editing is the process of honing your concepts, ideas, message, voice, structure, etc. When you're working with an editor you're still working on the creative phase.
Proofreading follows editing. It's the final phase of publishing your written work. A proofreader accepts that your article, blog post, essay, or copy in your brochure is just the way you want and now it's time to make sure your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style are correct.
Why You Need a Proofreader
Our Brains Lie to Us
No one knows your writing like you do.
You've poured your heart into your words and chose each one carefully. You painstakingly constructed sentences and paragraphs and full chapters. You've made your changes, edits, and tweaks. You're proud of what you've accomplished and feel confident it's time to publish. Although, you're still wondering if you should have another person read your content. But, you resist inviting a proofreader to read your writing because no one knows your writing better than you.
And that's why you need a proofreader.
The truth is our brains lie to us. Studies show that our brains not only rely on what we see but also what we EXPECT to see. Yes. Our brains lie, telling us what we think we want to know.
I will tell you the truth so you're confident your writing is flawless.
Invite a proofreader who's unfamiliar with your content to review it. Ask a professional who hasn't read your blog post, marketing literature, or book before; someone who doesn't know what to expect. That way each word will be read without expectations or anticipation. A trained proofreader spots extra spaces, duplicate words, typos, inconsistencies in style, and ommissions that you overlook.
I'm ready to help you publish flawless content.
Ask for a quote today.
How to Work with a Proofreader
What You Can Expect to Read About on the Blog
On Living and Writing Imperfectly
Flannery O'Connor is not the only one who believes this way: "I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." I couldn't agree more! I also happen to know that many writers feel this same way. Writing is a sorting out process, a means of working through life's crazy twists and turns. When I write, I draw from my life. I'd lie to define it for you better than that, but so far I've not been able to see around the bend to know what's coming. Tales of surprises, victories, and disappointments are bound to appear here. When they fall within the theme of living and writing imperfectly, I'll publish a post.
Simplicity is a theme here, too. I like to keep life simple.
Personal Reviews About Writing and Proofreading-Related Resources
As a freelance proofreader and writer, I stay sharp by continually studying the art and science of writing and proofreading. Once in a while, I'll share with you insights I gained from a course, webinar, podcast, book, or blog. Maybe you'll read something that lights a spark for your writing.
Do you love to read? This year, I set a goal to read 50 books in varying genres. You're welcome to view my book list on Goodreads.
I'll post book reviews from time-to-time.
Finishing
"Finish" is my word for the year. It reminds me to focus on doing one thing at a time. Read one book at a time. (Not 5.) Finish a project before starting another. (This is hard!) And done is better than perfect.
More About Sally Olson
I write to learn, to retell, and to entertain.
When I'm not wearing my "writer's hat," I'm a wife, a mother to sons, veteran home educator, former cubicle worker, gardener, apple grower, a horse keeper, chicken wrangler, sucker for Labrador Retrievers, freelance proofreader, a lover of country living, and a Jesus follower. As a natural-born generalist, I believe variety is the spice of life.
My husband, sons, and I broke free of the "busy" life to live on rural acreage in Northern California's Sierra-Nevada Gold Country.
“I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say.”
― Flannery O'Connor