Article Writer For Hire
  • Article Writer For Hire
  • Intent-sive Nature
    • Our Books
  • Writing, Web, Business, & Tech
    • Writing Tips Journal
    • Brand Shamans Brand Healing Journal
    • Write W.A.V.E. Media Thought Leadership & Tech Blog
    • The Bibliophile's Library Journal - Books, Reviews, News, & Info
    • Penning Your World - A Creative Writing Journal
    • The One-and-Only Internet Money Making Guide!
    • Monsters Within Us - An Otherworldly Journal of Monstrous Incantations
    • Be a Writer!
    • FREE Guest Post Submissions!
  • Services
    • Author & Book Marketing Services
    • Social Media & Branding
    • Content Writing & Editing
    • Premium Bulk SEO Articles & Blog Posts
    • Advertising & Guest Posts
    • Ready-Made Content
    • FREE Virtual Assistant (VA) Consultation
    • Custom Jewelry-Making
    • Healing Readings & Talismans
  • Society & Causes
    • Causes We Support
    • Speak Up!; A Homelessness & Social Justice Journal
    • Animal Advocacy >
      • Animal Advocacy & Healthy Pet Parenting Journal
      • Positive Pet Parenting Journal
      • Raising Pet Positive Kids
      • Super Mom...Kind Of
      • Pawsitively Adventurous Pets
      • Purrely Pawsitive and Barkably Amazng Pet Training Tips
      • Dog Praising
      • Spirit of the Wild - Lands and Animals
      • Sounds of Nature
    • Motivational Friends Inspirational Journal
    • Straight Up LGBTQ Journal
    • Colorful Expressions
    • Inner Healing & Spirituality Journal
  • About Us & Contact
    • About Us & Contact Us
    • Lyn Lomasi
    • Become an Affiliate!
  • Family & Home
    • Kymani's Travels - Family Travel Journal
    • The Nova Skye Story - Family Journal
    • Upstream Parenting Journal
    • Life & Home Journal
    • Momtrepreneur Moments - A Business Mom's Journal
    • Successful Relationships; A Heart-Focused Journal
    • Better Plumbing Blog
  • News & Travel
    • RV'ing Successfully - A Family Roadschooling & Travel Journal
    • Hometown Love - A Local Journal
    • News Articles
    • Sports Break Journal
  • Education
    • Free Learning Education Journal
    • Heart 'N Mind Homeschool Journal
    • Free Homeschool Worksheets
  • Health & Beauty
    • Whole Body Health, Healing, & Medicine Journal
    • Good Eats for the Soul - Vegan Diet, Recipes, & Food Journal
    • Fash Diva - A Clothing, Shoes, & Fashion Journal
    • Naturally Simple - A Self-Care & Beauty Journal
    • Senior Living
    • Disabilities Blog
    • Green Living Articles
  • Fun & Games
    • Gaming Successfully
    • Luna Starlight Comics
    • Crafting Successfully Arts & Crafts Journal
    • Culture Carnival; A Festival, Tradition, & Holiday Journal
    • Mouthy Momtrepreneur - A Feisty Business Mom's Journal
    • Clowning Around - A Family Clown & Carnival Journal
    • Music Articles
    • Entertainment Articles
    • Humor Treasure Trove; A Funny Comedy Journal
  • Partners
    • Content Revival
    • Better Plumbing - Commercial Residential Plumbers - Denver, CO
    • Authors, Large and Small (ALAS)
    • Stephanie Nolan - Helping People Work-from-Home Daily!
    • Odds and Ends of a Wondering Mind
    • Paranormal Messages

How to Become An Expert Proofreader: 8 Ways to Improve Your Proofreading Skills

7/2/2020

0 Comments

 
by Phoenix Desertsong, Proofreading Expert
Picture
Wish you could become an expert proofreader? You can! While some people may seem to be born editors, proofreading is an acquired skill that you can become an expert in if you work at it. Whether you already are or want to become a professional article writer for hire or a published author, proofreading is a must-have skill you need to develop  Follow these 8 ways to improve your proofreading skills, and you’re well on your way to becoming an expert proofreader!


Know Your Own Common Writing Mistakes

Becoming an expert proofreader starts with you! Knowing your own common mistakes in your own writing is the first step in becoming an expert-level editor. It might be forgetting “i before e except after c,” leaving out punctuation such as commas or semicolons, or overusing certain words. Being familiar with your own common mistakes makes them much easier to spot in other people’s writing. It also helps you improve on your own writing significantly.


Be Aware of Common Misspellings and Commonly Misused Spellings of Words

Most word processors have spell checkers that catch most misspellings. Of course, spell checkers don’t catch words that are correctly spelled words, but are misused by accident. That includes cases like “sea” and “see.” be aware of as many common spelling errors as you can. Even expert writers may have certain words they commonly misspell without thinking about it. Once a writer misspells or misuses a word enough times, it becomes a very difficult, if not impossible, habit to break. 


Proofreading is More Than Misspellings

Proofreaders must not only catch misspellings and misused words. You also must watch for things like incorrect sentence structure, unnecessary repetition, and awkward wording. As a proofreader, you not only want to watch for bad or awkward grammar, but the flow of the text as a whole. Writers depend on proofreaders to make sure their text reads not only correctly, but also in a clear and understandable way. If it sounds like it reads wrong, it probably should be worded differently.


When Proofreading, Be Sure to Take a Break and Return with Fresh Eyes

Especially when proofreading your own work, leaving the work for a while then returning with fresh eyes is important. During that break, your mind will have refocused. You’ll be able to spot errors that may not have been obvious before because you were too close to the work. Even if you’re proofreading someone else’s work, it’s good to leave it aside after a first pass. You never know what you may have missed when you come back for the second look.

Picture
Picture

Reading Aloud While Proofreading Helps You Read What’s Actually on the Page

It’s true that our subconscious mind has a way of making us read what we think should be written on the page. But, as a proofreader, you need to not let your subconscious trick you and read what’s actually on the page. The best way to overcome this is to read out loud and do so slowly. You will catch far more errors and awkward things this way, realizing when sentences read strangely or words are repeated too many times in a paragraph.


Having Extra Help With Proofreading is Good

Especially when proofreading your own work, having a friend or another professional gives you a fresh set of eyes to check your work. Even when you’re proofreading others’ work, after awhile you become too familiar with the work. Having an unbiased third party gives fresh perspective. Even a quick glance can afford you extra insight you wouldn’t otherwise have. Even expert proofreaders will ask for an extra set of eyes on occasion. 


Remember the Mind Works Faster Than Your Fingers as a Writer

As we writers get into the flow of writing, we sometimes don’t pay attention to how we are spelling certain words or structuring sentences. Especially when proofreading your own writing, you may not even catch some of these things. In your mind, you know what you were meaning to say. As a proofreader, you will run into passages that either are confusing or make no sense at all. In that way, proofreading others’ work can be easier, because you can catch mistakes others make much more easily than your own mistakes. So, when you’re proofreading and run into some passages that make no sense, the mind being faster than the fingers is probably why.


Never Proofread Your Work or Others’ Work Only Once

Don’t just settle for glancing over work just once, whether it’s your own or someone else’s. In fact, some writing professionals will proofread their work ten times or more! It’s important to read over a piece several times to make sure that it’s free of spelling and grammatical errors. It also ensures that you ensure that the text reads well. Expert proofreading, like any skill, takes lots of practice. If you do it enough, not only will your own writing improve, but you’ll be able to help many other writers, too!
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Professional Article Writers: The Importance of Self-Editing

1/29/2015

0 Comments

 
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Picture
When first starting to write for online venues, many writers are unaware they need to edit. Sometimes there is an editor, but oftentimes this is not true. Therefore, it is safest (and most of the time your responsibility) to self edit your articles before submission.

Writing for Content Sites

Most content sites require self-editing. Some do have editors on hand that may make changes. But for the most part, the work you submit should be ready for publication. Many content sites only have people who review your work to determine if it's fit to publish. They don't have time to edit your work, nor will they do so.

They'll just decline it and move on to the next piece. Also, on some of these sites there is the option to self-publish without review. Even though some may allow you to edit afterward, you should always edit before hitting that publish button. This avoids having readers (and potential clients) see those initial typos and errors.

Writing for Private Clients

When writing for private clients, it's pretty much expected by most that your work is ready to use. When someone hires you to write content, they don't want sloppy work. They want something they can just pay for and use right away. That's why they chose to hire a professional. That's you.

By making sure you self-edit everything, you will keep clients happy. Happy clients often return to the same writer and may even recommend that person to friends and business partners. By not proofing and editing your work, you are potentially hurting your writing reputation and career.

Maintaining a Good Writing Reputation

Sure, typos are going to slip through sometimes. But, as a professional writer, you should always do your best work. Even when you know there is an editor, you should submit clean copy that can be published as is. This way, they may not need to correct as many errors. Yes, that means more work for you - in more ways than one.

It may initially be just a little more effort on your part. But in the long run, it can create more opportunity. Also, self-editing is a requirement in some situations, as mentioned above. Writers who are completely or mostly self-sufficient will likely earn more gigs and clients than those whose work requires more tweaking before publishing.


*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

0 Comments

Web Writing Tips: Simplify Sentences to Avoid Confusion

6/28/2014

4 Comments

 

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Picture
In web writing, it’s best to keep your sentences simple. Even though you may be speaking to an adult audience, web readers like to skim and be done with it. Simple wording makes your work more attractive and easier to scan.

Shorten longer and run-on sentences.
On the web, statements should be less than ten words. The shorter, the better. In the following example, the sentence is too long: “Angela took a stroll down the winding pathway that was located in City Park in the city of Denver.” Instead, you could say: “Angela walked the curved path in Denver City Park.”

Avoid words that can be used more than one way.
According to the Yahoo Style Guide (pg 329), words like “once” and “before” can be confusing. They can be used in two or more ways. Instead of saying “Once you add the eggs to the recipe mixture, stir the ingredients slowly before moving on” you could say “Add the eggs to the mixture. Then, stir slowly for five minutes. Move on to the next step.”

Avoid long-winded words.
While the word “pathway” is a simple word, “path” is better for the web. People usually find things on the web via search.  More people will search for a word like path versus pathway. Also, path is easiest to read of the two. Always choose the easiest word for what you need to say. That way, even people who have a harder time reading will be able to understand you more clearly.

Use simple words.
Try not to use long words or those that are harder to say (or read). Instead of using the word difficult, you can use hard. This may sound like you’re “dumbing down” your work. Really, you’re just making sure people see it and stick with it until the end. Web readers scan fast and they also leave fast. Your job is to make sure they find what you write and stay with it as long as they can.

Text and Photo by Lyn Lomasi; © 2014 All rights reserved

*I originally published this on another site (no longer published there).

4 Comments

Improve Your Writing With a Writing Buddy

1/18/2009

0 Comments

 
by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & the Brand Shamans network
Picture
Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
Even the best of writers make errors. From typos to grammatical mistakes to run-on sentences, mistakes in writing are common. In internet writing, many writers are editing their own content. This works well most of the time, but we all have our off days. Even a star editor can make a mistake in their own writing. So, how can you solve that? One way is to get a writing buddy.

What is a Writing Buddy?

A writing buddy is another writer whom you trust with your work. This writer also must entrust their work to you. Writing buddies give their final proofread copies to each other to be sure the work is of good quality.

What exactly do writing buddies do?

Writing buddies read over each other's final drafts and make correction suggestions if needed. If both writers also are good editors, there may not be many corrections, but it always is good to have more than one set of eyes looking over a project. It's a great way to ensure quality work is produced as often as possible.

Why Should I Get a Writing Buddy if I Never Make Mistakes?

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. No one is perfect. I'm sure that anyone combing this very post will find at least one (if not more than one) suggestion to make. There always is more than one way to look at writing. Also, like I stated, nobody is perfectly accurate all the time. I have gone over pieces of work several times, thinking they were up to par. Then, after they've been published of course, I've found grammatical errors or typos. Having a writing buddy can minimize the chance of inaccuracies.

How Do I Find a Writing Buddy?

If you're a writer, chances are you know at least one other writer. If not, you really should start networking. Having other friends who write can be extremely beneficial in more ways than just the one listed here. I recommend choosing your closest writing friend for this particular project. Be sure that you and this person can fully trust that neither will misuse the other's work in any way. I won't give legal advice on this because I am not a lawyer. Only you can decide how you should handle the legalities. But, I will say that it can be extremely helpful to have a fellow writer give an opinion on work before it is turned in to the client.

How Many Pieces Should My Writing Buddy Check?

All of them, if possible. However, if you are like me, then that may not be possible. I write way to many articles in a day to fairly have a buddy check them all. You and your buddy should decide on a fair number that is feasible for you both. Once you get a balanced writing, reading, and editing  routine down, you may be able to add to that number.

Ready for a professional editor? Try Content Writing & Editing Services by Brand Shamans.

0 Comments

    RSS Feed

    WRITING TIPS JOURNAL

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    FREE REPORT!!!!

    Picture

    FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

    Stephanie Laursen-Nolan
    Crystal S. Kauffman
    Jeanne Frost

    OWNER

    Lyn Lomasi
    Picture
    Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!

    Lyn is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! While rescuing civilians from boring business practices and energy vampires, this awesomely crazy family conquers evil and creates change.

    They live among tigers, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fantastic energies, teaching others to claim their own power and do the same.

    By supporting us, you support a dedicated parent, healer,  and minority small business that donates to several causes. Profits from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature support these causes and our beautiful family!

    HIRE OR SHOP WITH LYN  |  CONTACT LYN

    Highly Recommended

    Picture
    Picture
    Sign up for a free account to publish your free website using this special link and we both earn $10!
    Need help creating your website? Create your site at Weebly.com!
    Hootsuite: Social Relationship Platform

    Archives

    July 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    February 2017
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    April 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    July 2011
    April 2011
    March 2010
    January 2009

    Categories

    All
    Advice For Writers
    Alice In Wonderland
    Applications
    Apps
    Art
    Articles
    Article Theft
    Article Writers
    Article Writing
    Associated Content
    Audience
    Authenticity
    Author Profile
    Authors
    Back Up Work
    Bad
    Be You
    Blogging
    Blogging For Business
    Blog Posts
    Blog Writing
    Book Reviews
    Branding
    Bubblews
    Business
    Careers
    #caturday
    ChatAbout
    Clean Web Copy
    Clients
    Coding
    Commenting
    Comments
    Communication
    Community
    Community Management
    Community Managers
    Computer Issues
    Concentration
    Confusion
    Connections
    Consistency
    Content
    Content Creation
    Content-theft
    Content Writing
    Contract Writing
    Copyright
    Copyright Laws
    Creative
    Creativity
    Demands
    Dialogue
    Dialogue Writing
    Digital Millenium Copyright Act
    Disorganized
    DIY Tech
    DMCA
    Dreams
    Earning
    Easy
    Editing
    Editors
    Effort
    Email
    Empower
    Empowering
    Errors
    Etiquette
    Evergreen Content
    Exercise
    Expectations
    Expertise
    Facebook
    Facebook Fan Page
    Failures
    Family
    Fans
    Feedback
    Fiction Writing
    Focus
    Followers
    Formatting
    Forums
    Freelance Writing
    Free Photos
    Friends
    Fun
    Gaming The System
    Get Paid
    Get Paid To Sites
    Goal Lists
    Goals
    Google
    Grammar
    Grammar Fuck-ups
    Guidelines
    Habits
    Headlines
    Helping Others
    Html
    Html Link
    Html Template
    Humanity
    Hyperlink
    Ickiness
    Icky
    Ideas
    Image Use
    Information
    Inspiration
    Intent
    Interaction
    Interesting
    Internet Errors
    Jobs
    +K
    Keep It 100
    Klout
    Klout.com
    Klout Tips
    Language
    Leaders
    Learning
    Lists
    Lyn Lomasi
    Make Money
    Marketing
    Mentors
    Mistakes
    Mobile Applications
    Money
    Motivation
    Multiple Computers
    Multitasking
    Music
    Negative Feedback
    Negativity
    Netiquette
    Networking
    Newsletters
    Notifications
    Objective
    Obligation
    Obtaining Clients
    Online Profile
    Online Resume
    Online Writing
    Organization
    Outlines
    Parenting
    Passion
    Passwords
    Pay Attention
    Paying It Forward
    Pay It Forward
    Pen Names
    Pinterest
    Plans
    Positive Feedback
    Positivity
    Potential
    Productivity
    Promotion
    Proofreaders
    Proofreading
    Pseudonyms
    Publishing
    Punctuation
    Purpose
    Quick Web Writing Tips
    Quotations
    Rabbit Hole
    R.A. Rowell
    Reader Response
    Readers
    Reciprocal +K
    Reciprocal Views
    Reciprocation
    Rejection
    Reprints
    Research
    Resume
    Reviews
    Richard Rowell
    Risk Taking
    Scamming
    Scams
    Schedules
    Scheduling
    Search Engine Rankings
    Seo
    Simple
    Simplicity
    Singing
    Social
    Social Distancing
    Social Media
    Social Media Tips
    Social Networking Tips
    Spam
    Speed
    Spelling
    Stacey Carroll
    Submissions
    Success
    Summer
    System Errors
    Target Audience
    Team Building
    Teamwork
    Technical Support
    Templates
    Time
    Timing
    Titles
    Titling
    Traffic
    Trust
    Truth
    Twitter
    Typos
    Unique
    Unorganized
    Value
    Variance
    Web Applications
    Web Profile
    Website
    Web Writing
    Web Writing Tips
    Windows 8
    Words
    Word Usage
    Workaholics
    Workaholism
    Work At Home
    Work Fast
    Work Online
    Worth
    Write Fast
    Write More
    Write Online
    Writer Profile
    Writer Promotion
    Writers
    Writer's Block
    Writer Website
    Write W.A.V.E. Media
    Writing
    Writing Advice
    Writing Buddy
    Writing Clients
    Writing Gigs
    Writing Ideas
    Writing Myths
    Writing Peers
    Writing Sites
    Writing Success
    Writing Tips
    Yahoo
    Yahoo Contributor Network
    Yahoo! Contributor Network
    YCN

COMPANY & SUPPORT

About Us & Contact
Brand Healing Journal
Become an Affiliate!
Disclosure, TOU, Disclaimer, & Privacy Policy
Become A Writer!

ALL SITES

Brand Shamans
Life Successfully
Intentsive Nature
Write W.A.V.E. Media
Pawsitive Parenting

Guest Post Writers

Daily Cashouts
GoSteady.me
Article Writer For Hire
Lyn Lomasi
Heart 'N Mind Homeschool    
Pre-K Yoga
Kids Chakra

Legit Cash Now
Souls Within
Better Plumbing (Partner Site)

© 2005 - 2020 Article Writer for Hire by Brand Shamans Content Community
Photos used under Creative Commons from daniel_iversen, quinn.anya, Tambako the Jaguar, tranchristopher5, hitsnooze, Mads Boedker, mortsan, simbiosc, One Way Stock, Cory M. Grenier