Editors are here to support you, not judge you

Do you break out in a sweat at the thought of someone finding a spelling mistake or grammatical error in your writing? Fear not. Editors and proofreaders are here for you.

When some people think of editors or proofreaders, they picture a stern parent or harsh teacher from their school days. There they are, standing over your shoulder, ready to pounce on your precious words and point out all the mistakes you’ve made while laughing maniacally.

The truth is, editors and proofreaders are in love with language, and passionate about helping you communicate your message clearly. We’re curious. We love seeking clarity and offering suggestions to ensure your content is understood by the audience as intended.

Sure, we come across hilarious typos every now and then. Who among us could resist a chuckle when realising the letter ‘l’ is missing from ‘swimming pool’, a typo picked up in a government agency document.

Editors and proofreaders are passionate about helping you communicate your message clearly

But it’s crucial to remember that when it comes to language, we are here to support you, not judge you. And there’s no need to judge yourself, either.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. If getting spelling or grammar right every time isn’t one of your strengths, it’s completely fine. Few of us do, even when we’re in the language business.

Ideally, whenever we’re called to write something, we want to feel comfortable to express ourselves freely. The last thing we want to be thinking about, especially in the act of writing, is, ‘Am I making mistakes?’ That just hampers the creative process, and we want that to be freed up, juices flowing, uninhibited.

We editors and proofreaders are here to be of service to you, and to your words. When offering feedback, we ensure it is relevant and constructive, remembering the time and effort you’ve put in.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of this work is fostering working relationships based on kindness and tact, open communication and respect. When editing and proofreading, we are your cheerleader, focusing on ensuring the writing is error-free and your voice sings out clearly and brightly. That’s what we’re here for. Happy writing!