Hello out there!

Hi everyone,
It's me and I'm back in the world of blogging. I'm feeling fresh and ready to write about ways to improve your writing and how proofreading and editing from a professional is critical. Remember that www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au is the place to come to receive the help you need to make your writing perfect.
I'll be back soon!

It's Time!

It's time to get back into blogging. I've given myself a good talking to and know I need to become serious again. I remember reading a few months ago about Anna and her blog, 'Absolutely Beautiful Things' www.absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com, and how she felt that it was taking too much of her time. Fortunately for all who follow her beautiful blog, she rode through that little patch and continues to provide beautiful visual 'food' for us all. I've been feeling a little bit that way myself. It's not that posting a blog takes a lot of time necessarily, although it can. It's more that I find myself becoming consumed and distracted by what the day's post is going to be about.

There are still endless possibilities of course. Proofreading and editing of documents provides constant 'material' for the blog. My proofreading eagle eye as I'm out and about spots plenty of errors in writing too. I'm wondering about what you, as reader, what like to know more about when it comes to preparing written documents. Let me know, either by posting a comment or direct email to info@wordwriteforsuccess.com.au.

www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au

Need a Tutor?

Word Write for Success provides 'modern' tuition, particularly in assistance with the preparation and finishing touches of proofreading and editing of assignment work. We can't do the assignment for you, of course, but we can assist just as the old-fashioned tutor would have done, by working alongside you to explain, develop your ideas and refine assignment work.

The only difference (and it's a good one) is that we do it electronically - you email through your request, including your assignment topic or task purpose and we work from there. The beauty of this electronic tuition is that you seek support on a needs basis, rather than at a weekly set time when you might not necessarily have a specific project to complete. Of course, you don't have to leave the comfort of your home either or worry about someone coming into your home. Your precious time and money is therefore optimised. Our rate is $45 per hour which compares very favourably with face-to-face tuition. Lastly, and most importantly, tuition is provided by highly qualified and experienced educators, with many years of secondary teaching experience to offer.

We specialise in support for secondary and tertiary students, however, can also assist with support of primary students in the area of English/Mathematics.

Document types with which we can assist in proofreading, editing and improving are -

* assignments - essays, short stories, media articles
* presentations - speeches, seminars
* powerpoint presentations
* websites
* blog set-up, design and writing
* applications - eg. scholarship applications
* jobs - resumes, letters of application, curriculum vitae
* book chapters
* thesis proofreading (sorry, we can't help you write this one!)

See our website for how we have helped students already - http://www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au/ and go to 'Testimonials'.

The Etiquette of Proofreading

From the point of view of a proofreader, there's a kind of etiquette involved when a person asks you to proofread or edit their document.

My proofreading tips include:

* Respect the client and their document - the subject matter of the document is their business, often the basis of their livelihood or their future success. They are the experts in their field. If they were a proofreading expert, they wouldn't be contacting you in the first place!

* Trust is a big factor in proofreading. You may be the only other human who has read this client's document. To be trusted in such a way is quite an honour. Keep this in mind.

* Equally, confidentiality is critical. The client or their document should never be discussed outside of that particular proofreading process. Sounds obvious, I know, but I wouldn't be saying it if I didn't think it needed to be said.

* The size of the document should not be used as a guide to its importance. Some of the shortest documents I've proofread have been hugely significant to the client.

* Proofreading is about the finishing touch. Just as a chef wouldn't let a meal be sent out of the kitchen without checking it for an accidental sauce spill on the edge of the plate, a writer of any document wants to ensure that the finished product is perfect. The proofreader's job is to make that a reality.

* Be constructive. It's important not to say, 'this is wrong', and come across as some big meanie. Instead, 'I would suggest...' or 'Consider using...' is a whole lot more supportive.

* Let the corrections in red on the document speak for themselves. Some proofreaders are using green instead, in an effort to soften the blow. I find most clients are happy with whatever colour I use, as long as they are made clearly.

* Make time to explain your suggestions to the client. What might seem crystal clear to you may be completely foreign to them. Be patient!

* Lastly, don't assume because you have been asked to proofread another's work that they want you to find mistakes. It's wrong to think this way. There are those cases where all someone wants to be told is, 'great work - this is amazing', and better yet, they are willing to pay a proofreader to tell them so! Everyone wins!

The proofreading process should be a pleasant, professional one for everyone involved. It's up to you as proofreader to make this happen.

http://www.wordwriteforsuccess.com.au/