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.

  • He Said, She Said: Tips for Editing Dialogue Tags

    He Said, She Said: Tips for Editing Dialogue Tags

    Mar 18, 2021

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Dialogue tags can help readers keep track of who is speaking in writing. But many authors overuse or misuse dialogue tags. As an editor or proofreader, then, it is worth keeping an eye out for issues when working on a novel or any other writing that features dialogue. In this post, we’ll look at common […]

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  • Academic Proofreading: A Quick Guide to Stephanus Numbers

    Academic Proofreading: A Quick Guide to Stephanus Numbers

    Mar 14, 2021

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

    Plato is such an important part of Western philosophy that he has his own citation system: Stephanus numbers. But what do you need to know about Stephanus numbering as an academic proofreader? In this post, we’ll explain how these numbers work. What Are Stephanus Numbers? As well as being the man who gave us love, […]

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  • Editing Tips: Scene Breaks in Books and Manuscripts

    Feb 21, 2021

    • Creative Writing
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    When a book is divided into sections, each chapter will typically start on a new page. But what about scene changes within a chapter? How do writers and publishers indicate a shift of perspective, time, or location? And what do you need to know about this as a proofreader? In this post, we take a […]

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  • Academic Proofreading: A Quick Guide to Bekker Numbers

    Feb 14, 2021

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

    Aristotle is one of the most important thinkers in the history of Western philosophy. Thus, if you proofread academic work, you may encounter Bekker numbers at some point. But what is Bekker pagination? And what do you need to know about it as a proofreader? Let’s take a look. What Are Bekker Numbers? Aristotle – […]

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  • When to Use Italics for Non-English Words

    Feb 11, 2021

    • Common Errors
    • Editing Tips
    • Formatting
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    In English-language writing, words from other languages are often presented in italics. As a proofreader, you may therefore need to check that such words are presented correctly. Becoming A Proofreader The Becoming A Proofreader course covers everything you need to know to start working as a freelance proofreader! Sign up for a free trial today […]

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  • Referencing Style or System? A Guide for the Confused

    Feb 04, 2021

    • Academic Editing
    • Referencing and Citations
    • Style

    In the Becoming A Proofreader course, we look at referencing styles and systems. But what is the distinction between a referencing style and a system? We use these terms as follows: A referencing style is a generic approach to citing sources ( Harvard, Oxford, Vancouver). However, there may be several versions or variations of any […]

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  • Proofreading and Editing Tips: How to Proofread Executive Summaries

    How to Proofread Executive Summaries

    Jan 28, 2021

    • Business Editing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    Executive summaries are key business documents, allowing busy professionals to learn vital information at a glance. But what goes into a good executive summary? And how do you proofread one effectively? Check out our guide to executive summaries to find out. What Is an Executive Summary? Ideally, decision makers at a company will read reports […]

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  • Proofreading Tips: Editing Gendered Language

    Jan 24, 2021

    • Editing Tips
    • Other Errors
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style
    • Vocabulary Tips

    Many companies and individuals now aim to make their writing gender neutral. And, as a proofreader, you may have to help them achieve this. In this post, we’re going to look at some common examples of gendered language you may need to watch out for: The gendered pronoun being used as a neutral or default […]

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  • Citation Styles: What Is ASA Referencing?

    Citation Styles: What Is ASA Referencing?

    Jan 10, 2021

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

    If you proofread academic writing, you may come across a variety of referencing styles. And if you proofread sociology papers in particular, this will likely include ASA referencing. But what is ASA style? And how does it work? In this post, we explain the basics. What Is ASA Referencing? ASA referencing is a citation style […]

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  • Editing Tips: Chronological, Functional and Combination Resumes and CVs

    Editing Tips: Chronological, Functional and Combination Resumes and CVs

    Jan 07, 2021

    • Business Editing
    • Editing Tips
    • Proofreading Tips
    • Style

    As a freelance proofreader, you may be asked to check many resumes and CVs. But these documents come in many types, so it is worth knowing how they work so you can edit them effectively. Here, then, we’re going to look at the three most common types of resume: Chronological – A resume that focuses […]

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