Proofreading Versus Editing
Proofreading and editing are commonly confused. The terms seem interchangeable, but they are not. Here's what I mean:
Editing, or copy editing, is the process of refining your concepts, ideas, message, voice, structure, etc. When you work with an editor you will still work through the creative phase. Once you're satisfied with your content, invite a proofreader to read your writing for a final review.
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. A range of other tasks might happen in this phase, like fact-checking, indexing, or creating a stylesheet if the editor hasn't already made one.
Why Hire a Proofreader?
Because 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
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When I'm not at my proofreader's desk or flipping through a style guide, I'm a wife, a mother to sons, a veteran home educator, a former cubicle worker, a lazy-but-organic gardener, a passionate apple grower, a horse keeper, a chicken wrangler, and a full-on sucker for Labrador Retrievers, wildflowers, and Jesus.
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Many years ago, 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