Editing Tips

Advice on the skills you need as a freelance proofreader and editor. Check out our editing tips and advice to develop your abilities and impress your clients.

  • What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    What Is the Difference Between Affect and Effect?

    Apr 17, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Editing Tips
    • Grammar
    • Proofreading Tips

    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 – […]

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  • How to Track Changes in Google Docs

    How to Track Changes in Google Docs

    How to Track Changes in Google Docs

    Apr 10, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Software and Tools
    • Proofreading Tips

    Previously, we covered how to use the track changes and compare tools in Microsoft Word. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how to track changes in Google Docs.  As a freelancer, you may come across clients who use Google Docs to collaborate on content. Understanding how to use Google Docs’ editing tools […]

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Native Speaker vs. Fluent Speaker: Which Term Is Best?

  • How to Become a Book Editor

    How to Become a Book Editor

    Mar 04, 2023

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Freelance Tips
    • Skills and Experience

    If you’ve always dreamed of being a book editor, this guide is for you. Here, we provide an overview of the different roles available for book editors, as well as tips on how to land your ideal career. What Does a Book Editor Do? First things first: What does being a book editor actually involve?  […]

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  • What Is Copy Editing?

    What Is Copy Editing?

    Feb 25, 2023

    • Editing Tips

    Copy editing is an important part of the editing process. But what does it actually mean and involve? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and show you how you can start your copy-editing career. What Is Copy Editing? Copy editing refers to the act of correcting errors in a piece of writing or copy. […]

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  • What Is Sensational Spelling?

    What Is Sensational Spelling?

    Feb 11, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Spelling

    As a proofreader or editor, you’re used to spotting and correcting spelling errors. But what if the spelling error is intentional? In today’s blog post, we’re discussing sensational spelling – the deliberate misspelling of a word or term to draw an audience’s attention – and how to use it effectively. Sensational spelling is common in […]

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  • What Are Trigger Words? (And How to Use Them in Writing)

    What Are Trigger Words? (And How to Use Them in Writing)

    Feb 06, 2023

    • Business Editing
    • Editing Tips

    Trigger words are a common marketing tool used in business copywriting. In this post, we’ll explain what trigger words are and share our top tips to help you edit them in your clients’ writing. What Are Trigger Words? Trigger words (or power words) are words or phrases that compel the reader to take an action, […]

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  • What Is Plain English? (A Guide for Writers and Editors)

    What Is Plain English? (A Guide for Writers and Editors) 

    Feb 04, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips

    Have you ever read something several times, but still felt unsure about what the writer was trying to say?  Although there are times when complex language is appropriate (e.g., in legal writing), generally speaking, plain English is the most effective way to communicate a message and avoid misunderstandings.  But what exactly is plain English? Put […]

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  • What Is Developmental Editing?

    What Is Developmental Editing?

    Jan 30, 2023

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips

    Before a manuscript is published, it goes through several stages of editing, and traditionally, each step is conducted separately. Developmental editing (also known as structural editing) is the essential first step that concerns the overall structure and content of a text. Keep reading to learn more about what’s involved in developmental editing and how it […]

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  • How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility

    How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility

    How to Edit Documents and Text for Accessibility

    Jan 14, 2023

    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting

    As an editor, you may be tasked with editing a document to improve accessibility. But what exactly does this involve? In this post, we’ll take you through what accessibility means in writing and our top tips for editing text with accessibility in mind. What Is Accessibility in Writing? Accessibility is the process of making sure […]

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  • One Word or Two? 10 Common Mistakes

    One Word or Two? 10 Common Mistakes

    Jan 07, 2023

    • Common Errors
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips

    Are you confident about terms being one word or two? If you are, congratulations! If not, though, you’re not alone. Errors of this type are some of the most common in the English language. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common mistakes so that you’ve got the basics covered – whether you’re […]

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