GrammarPhile Blog

Sometimes proofreaders get a bad reputation for being overly critical, pretentious, and boring. They’re often viewed as the holder of the red pen of doom, the crusher of written dreams. And they’re the people who hold things up in the publishing process because they get too involved in the nitty-gritty of your important work, and they’re overly picky with the corrections they make and suggest. However, these stereotypes attributed to proofreaders are a bit grandiose.

Writing web copy can be a very different experience than writing printed copy. Online readers have a much shorter attention span and expect to have their questions answered completely and immediately. You only have a few seconds to get their attention and prove to them that what you’re offering (even if it’s just information) is what they’re seeking, and that it’s what they want or need to read. Otherwise, they’ll quickly move on to the next link they find.

Here are a few things you must do if you want your web copy to get found, read, and shared.  

Is there anything you need to do, hold, or see before you sit down to write, every time you write? If so, you might already have some sort of writing ritual.

From renting a hotel room to chewing on coffee beans, the famous authors on this list had some unique writing rituals. Some of them are a bit more eccentric than others. But after you parse through them, you’ll see why you might want to consider starting a writing ritual too, if you don’t already have one.

Experts generally agree that the difference between an editor and a proofreader is as follows:  an editor reviews a piece of writing to fix any errors in its structure or content, followed by a review by a proofreader who looks for any glaring grammar or spelling mistakes.

While there is some truth to this general claim, there is a little bit more behind what makes editors’ and proofreaders’ roles different and why they’re often jumbled. Otherwise, so many people wouldn’t be confused about who does what in the first place.   

Here are the differences between the responsibilities of editors and proofreaders, explained a little more in depth.

Does it seem as if sometimes it’s so easy for you to focus on your writing, while at other times even the whir of a fan can distract you?

If you haven’t discovered the best time to write, you’re not alone. It can seem tricky at first. In fact, there’s a science to it, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But even though there’s a science to it, it’s not rocket science, and finding the best time to write can be simple once you know where to start.

Here’s how you can find the perfect time of day to write, step-by-step.

Should using the Oxford comma (also known as the “serial comma”) be a requirement? This is one of the most heated debates in the realm of grammar today. This debate exists not just among writers, but large institutions too. There's even a Twitter account dedicated to asking celebrities about their choice to use (or not use) the Oxford Comma, @CelebrityOxford. Margaret Atwood, the noted author and literary critic, recently disclosed her thoughts on the topic there.

Writing a manual or instruction booklet for new team members or customers is difficult. You want them to get acquainted with your product or service in a positive way, while providing them with valuable information. But you don’t want to bore them or scare them away with complicated details.

There you are, staring at a blank screen with a blinking cursor that’s mocking you. You have absolutely no ideas and a deadline that’s looming. You feel as if you’ve forgotten the entire alphabet overnight and couldn’t even write your name if the fate of the world depended on it. Panic starts to set in, and you finally realize that you’re experiencing writer’s block.

Writing is a part of your everyday life, even if you don’t consider yourself a writing expert. Most jobs require you to send emails, or fill out reports or memos of some sort. But even if you don’t love writing for work, regularly engaging in creative writing exercises can make it more fun, while you build valuable skills.

Creative writing does a lot more for you than make you more creative. Completing creative writing exercises on a regular basis also reduces stress, enhances critical thinking and comprehension skills, endorses effective communication, and promotes empathy. And having all those skills are extremely important in the business world.

Here are some exercises you can complete to fine-tune your writing skills today.  

Last week’s post was only the beginning of an even longer list of common mistakes writers are prone to make. Below are a few more common mistakes you should remember the next time you’re writing something, so you can fix them before you share or publish your final draft.