Proofreading may not be terribly fun, but it's one of the most important parts of writing.
Have you ever read a web page or a document that had typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes? This reflects badly on you and your business, and you could easily lose a customer over a simple spelling mistake!
Here are some tips for quick and effective proofreading:
1. Wait several hours before proofreading. Otherwise you might be thinking about what you just wrote, rather than watching for typos and punctuation errors.
2. Eliminate distractions. This is very detailed work so you need to be focused.
3. Print out a copy of your work, rather than reading it on a computer screen. To make it even easier, print a double-spaced draft copy.
4. Read the document aloud. This helps to highlight punctuation errors and missing words.
5. Use a piece of colored paper as a guide. This will help to keep your eyes on the line you're working on. If you don't have any colored paper, use a ruler.
6. Read backwards for spelling mistakes. Yes, that's right! You'll find spelling errors much easier if you're going from right to left. Otherwise you might unconsciously start reading, and not "proof" reading.
7. Use a different colored pen such as green or red to make your correction marks. These colors are much easier to see than black or blue.
8. Carefully check numbers and totals. Refigure all calculations and look for misplaced commas and decimal points.
9. If you have a lengthy document to proofread, rest your eyes every 10 to 15 minutes.
10. When you're absolutely sure there are no mistakes, have a partner check your work. Sometimes all it takes is a second pair of eyes.
Jean Hanson is a Certified Professional Virtual Assistant. Discover how partnering with a virtual assistant will give you more time to do the things you love to do! Visit her at http://www.vaofficesolution.com. Jean is also the author of the eBook, Virtualize Your Business - http://www.vaofficesolution.com.
rental limo Atlanta .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareLooking for an old friend? Want to know if your... Read More
'Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift... Read More
So you have set up your company, fairly established and... Read More
What is a niche business? A niche business is one... Read More
Most people wish they read more. It is an activity... Read More
You have a great idea you know is a winner.... Read More
1. Examine everything in your office from the view of... Read More
Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More
Never in history have more entrepreneurs launched more new businesses!... Read More
While some new business owners face the issue of not... Read More
So how do you eliminate your competition without bloodshed? You... Read More
At Macquarie University in the early '90s, three Australian early... Read More
Cross cultural differences can and do impede upon communication and... Read More
Proofreading may not be terribly fun, but it's one of... Read More
Do you find great joy in being a coach? If... Read More
When sending mail to clients and potential clients, make your... Read More
I'm sure you've seen it happen every year: your business... Read More
Counselling non-performing team members is a tough part of any... Read More
Always include a powerful signature on every email you send... Read More
Getting focused on what you want to achieve and creating... Read More
In my career, I have had a total of 3... Read More
You're busy with your business today, aren't you?You're pushing your... Read More
Here are some simple tips to help you improve your... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
The number may seem grim for Web-based commerce. In 2004... Read More
Bedford Park taxi to Midway ..We all know that running a home business is highly... Read More
If you are thinking of starting a new business, or... Read More
You're busy with your business today, aren't you?You're pushing your... Read More
'Tis the season to give. And finding the right gift... Read More
We all are project managers. Some of us manage projects... Read More
Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its... Read More
Most people have at least one favorite quotation from a... Read More
In Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen's original "Chicken Soup... Read More
"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More
Positioning Your Company for Debt Financing:There was a time in... Read More
The number may seem grim for Web-based commerce. In 2004... Read More
Every event you hold can be extremely successful. Apply these... Read More
As a counselor, therapist or healing professional (massage therapist, physiotherapist,... Read More
Although dentistry may appear to be different than other types... Read More
Use the checklist below to make sure your article, tip,... Read More
Seven Questions to Improve Your Business, Your Relationships, and Your... Read More
If you're a business owner, you know that repeat business... Read More
You have seen their ads and you may have wondered... Read More
The 2004 election is over--at least in the minds of... Read More
1.) Brainstorming for an idea - You must select what... Read More
1) Prepare a realistic business plan.Think of this as your... Read More
Hey, as hard as this may be for you to... Read More
Do you find great joy in being a coach? If... Read More
10 Ways to Boost your ProfitabilitySo many business owners work... Read More
10. Procrastination Condemnation - Lose the Labels! All those things... Read More
Top Quick Tips |