Comments on: Proofreading Checklist

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:11:06 +0000

Thank you, Jarmaine. It’s amazing how much reading aloud helps. I guess it’s because it engages another one of your senses.

Spell check? That’s a good subject for another article! Grammar check is another one.

And regarding printing out your work, the full screen function is a good substitute for that, but if it’s my own work, I often print it out. And if I allow the time, letting it sit out overnight often reveals ways I can improve the copy.

By: Print Postcards | Jarmaine

Print Postcards | Jarmaine — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:04:28 +0000

These are excellent Cheryl! I recommend the reading your work aloud tip, that always helps me.
I try to be as concise and clear about what I want to say. For checking spelling, there’s always spell check Sometimes I also print my work, then check the spelling on the hard copy. Thanks!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:43:54 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Betty. It’s an ongoing process for us all. What’s really important is the message — words and grammar are just tools. It’s like anything else — the better you know how to use the tools, the better your product.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:29:54 +0000

@Creative Junkie: I really enjoy your chatty style. My usual objection to improper grammar — if that’s what you want to call it — is not that it’s wrong, but that it detracts from the message. If you read a sentence, and go “Huh?” and have to read it over again, it’s probably a problem of tense or voice — or sometimes punctuation. I just read your blog, and didn’t do that once. (By the way, I hope Velma won’t stay long.)

By: Betty

Betty — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:17:58 +0000

Very true article. Proofing and grammar very essential. I am learning that.

By: Creative Junkie

Creative Junkie — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:59:09 +0000

Excellent post! I definitely have trouble with grammar (and as I type this, I’m worried about how awful my grammar may be), especially the consistency of tense. I write in a very informal voice but sometimes, that leads to very informal grammar.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:38:37 +0000

Thanks for your kind words, Bob.

I don’t know about you, but I have to be careful not to be too obsessive. It can cut down on productivity. I really admire those who are very productive and write well.

I use dictionary.com a lot, too, usually to make sure I’m not misusing words. Thesaurus.com also comes in handy.

By: Bob Bessette

Bob Bessette — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:53:59 +0000

Hi,
I love the post! I am such a stickler when it comes to grammar and spelling. Dictionary.com is my friend. I am amazed at how many posts I see out there, even by successful bloggers, containing spelling and grammatical mistakes. I usually leave my posts sit for a day or two and constantly check them before publishing. I always move them into Word and perform a grammar and spellcheck in there as well as on my blog platform editor (Squarespace).

I think it’s great that you “offer proofing and editing services to bloggers and other writers.” I hope you get a lot of work. Thanks for this post and all of the reminders..

Now let me move this comment into Word before I click “Submit”…

Best,
Bob

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:41:31 +0000

Thanks, Eddie. I appreciate your feedback.

By: Eddie Gear

Eddie Gear — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:35:30 +0000

Hi there Cheryl,

Nice post! Well highlighted points. Thanks for putting them out for BWS readers.

Cheers,
Eddie Gear