Blog – Page 389

Should I Use a Proofreading Program?

The human proofreader vs. the proofreading program

With all the proofreading software available these days, you may wonder why there are still human proofreaders. For a one-time payment, you can get year-round instant proofreading for all your documents by putting them through your proofreading program. You don’t even need to know how to install the software on your computer; a whole range of online proofreading programs can be accessed online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So why bother hiring human proofreaders?

Procedure

Some proofreading programs look like word processing packages. You write your documents in an editing window of the software, and side panels give you assessments and statistics on the spelling and grammar in your text. Another type of proofreading program is one that you add to an existing word processing program, like Microsoft Word or OpenOffice’s Writer. These programs add a tab on the menu bar that enables you to access the program’s proofreading functions.

Online

An online proofreading program may follow one of two different formats. The first requires you to upload a file, which the program will then analyze. It will then either display or email you a report on the document. The second format in the proofreading program contains a text box into which you either type or cut and paste some text. After pressing a button, you receive a proofreading report on the contents of that text.

Cost

Many proofreading program options are available for free, or at least offer a free, simplified version of a more elaborate paid program. Those without heavy proofreading requirements might get by with a free version. There are also a number of freeware proofreading packages you can download and install on your computer. You may not realize it, but you probably already own a free proofreading program. Most word processing programs include a spell-checker that also checks grammar.

Human proofreaders

Given that there are so many convenient and free software options available for proofreading, why would anyone ever hire a human proofreader? Surely, those pursuing proofreading careers might as well pack up and pursue a more in-demand career instead. However, people are still taking proofreading courses and looking for jobs as proofreaders. Why?

Proofreading program reports

The trouble with proofreading programs is that you usually have to be a qualified proofreader to understand the analysis reports they put out. Here’s a common alert from Word’s grammar checker: “Fragment (consider revising).” Revise how? What’s a fragment? You could have a go at fixing the problem by trial and error, but if you don’t know why the sentence is wrong, you probably won’t know how to fix it. All the program will do is tell you what’s wrong and leave you with little advice on how to correct the mistakes.

Stylistic subtleties

Although a proofreading program can highlight spelling and grammar errors, it is unable to understand the subtleties of style. You may want to write a piece for a young readership and use slang to better connect with your audience. Anything to do with fashion, trends, and youth culture requires a fast-changing vocabulary, which a software program can’t help you with. Humor, double meanings, and irony are all lost on spell-checkers. Specialist language in science and engineering are also rarely compatible with a general proofreading program. Although the software option is adequate for many proofreading needs, a human proofreader is still not obsolete.

Textual subtleties

Finally, humans are able to recognize word usage and context in a way that a proofreading program cannot. For instance, if the word “pair” is used instead of “pear” to describe the fruit, a human proofreader is likely to catch the mistake; a proofreading program, however, might see that the word is spelled correctly (after all, “pair” is a real word that would be correct in a different context), but it would not necessarily understand the context well enough to notify you that the wrong word has been used.

Spelling Tips You Can Learn Through Proofreading Training

Must-know tips that proofreading training can give you

Whether you get your proofreading training from a university, a specialized course, or on the job, there are many skills that you should expect to learn. Proofreading training will enable you to check manuscripts efficiently. There are certain common mistakes that you should always check for, and there are some forms of grammar and vocabulary that are specific to particular disciplines, like medicine or engineering. Checking for spelling mistakes is an important part of proofreading, and your proofreading training should arm you with insider tips on this task. Once you get basic proofreading training, you will eventually evolve your own hit list of errors common to your particular field of specialization, and you may find you need to adapt standard practices to fit the specific demands of your job.

Word processors

Most proofreading these days is carried out in electronic format, which means you will be looking through a word processor file. Your proofreading training program should include the use of a particular word processor. Word processor packages all have spellcheckers, and some, such as Microsoft Word, also check for grammar. There is no shame in using this function. However, you should not just open the document in Word, look for red lines, and think your job is done. Your proofreading training will tell you to make sure you have set the dictionary language to the particular dialect of English used by the writer. There is a very distinct difference between American English and British English. Do not rely entirely on the word processor’s spellchecker.

Spelling focus

As you read through a text, you will be looking for points of grammar and layout as well as spelling. Handle each of those classifications separately, and only focus on the spelling in the document in one pass. Proofreading training will teach you to read a document several times and to focus on one problem type with each read-through.

Reading method

Each proofreader has his or her preferred reading method, which to many may seem quirky. For example, many proofreaders insist on reading a text aloud. This is a tip to ensure you read every word, rather than skim. Proofreading training will teach you other methods to ensure you focus on words, including reading the text backwards or even reading it upside down. If you are reading a hard copy of the text, you might follow standard proofreading training advice and use a card to cover the text not yet read or trace the words with your finger as you read.

Concentration

Your proofreading trainer will tell you to organize your time and get a distraction-free environment for your work. You need all your powers of concentration to focus on proofreading. Don’t break off in the middle of a text, and don’t try to check several documents simultaneously. Proofreading requires a methodical approach; formal training and some good old-fashioned practice will help you develop a method that is suitable to your own circumstances.

Editing Jobs From Home: How to Score a Gig You Love

Working away from an office can be ideal for some editors

Can you be a good editor and work from home?

Of course you can!

Working on editing jobs from home can give you the freedom to advance in your career without the pressure of a traditional office environment.

To land the perfect position, all you’ll need to do is follow a few simple steps. Ready to get started? Here’s what you need to do.

1) Know what you’re looking for

So you’ve decided to do editing jobs from home. Before you start applying, ask yourself what type of position you’re really looking for. Are you comfortable doing freelance editing, or are you looking for a permanent, full-time gig?

If it’s the latter, start by logging in to a job bank and searching for open positions with a telecommuting option. For freelance positions, the best places to start are sites like FlexJobs or Elance. The work on these sites is often piecemeal, but it can help you build a strong portfolio for more consistent work.

2) Do your research

You wouldn’t rent an apartment without researching it first.

To land editing jobs from home, you’ll have to exercise the same amount of caution. Job boards for stay-at-home positions are notoriously deceptive, but with a little preparation, you can make them work for you.

Once you find a job posting you like, ask yourself the following questions:

Can I contact the company easily?
Do I know anyone else who has worked for this company?
Is the job posting clear and easy to understand?
Does the job look too good to be true?

What if a company asks for your credit card number? Our advice: stay away!

When you do editing jobs from home, your boss should be paying you, not the other way around. If it doesn’t work that way, it’s likely the job is a scam and you shouldn’t waste any more time pursuing it.

3) Have a résumé and online clips ready

Do you have a portfolio with up-to-date clips?

If the answer is no, then it’s a good idea to start working on one right away.

Most companies will ask to see samples of your work before they hire you. This is standard throughout the industry, whether you do editing jobs from home or are employed by a major publishing house.

Since the average job posting is often available for just a matter of days, you’ll be much more likely to score a position if your résumé and clips are already prepared.

Once you’ve decided on editing as a career, you should create a professional website to showcase your work. Many writers have scored editing jobs from home by posting their latest clips, even if they’re just beginners.

4) Network on social media

What’s the secret to finding great editing jobs from home?

The answer might surprise you. These days, more and more writers are turning to sites like Facebook and Twitter to advertise their skills.

And it’s no surprise why. Recruiters often use these sites to find candidates for open positions.

Even if you’re planning on doing editing jobs from home, social media can help you form connections with hiring managers. By staying active on LinkedIn, you’ll be the first to know about new job postings, and you’ll be ready to apply at a moment’s notice.

Flexible, accessible, dynamic—editing jobs from home have it all

If you have a computer and great initiative, doing editing jobs from home may be for you.