By working with a freelance copy editor, you can elevate the quality of your creative elements. Whether you are working as an individual or managing a team, the extra set of eyes will make you feel more confident before you publish (unlike the $250,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority gaffe). It’s easy to get tunnel vision when reviewing your own work. You can use a marketing freelancer for an outside perspective. Otherwise, you may find yourself publishing while weary and cross-eyed.

Proofreading and Editing: See Straight

A fascinating phenomenon, mirages have captured human eyes and imaginations from time eternal. According to Wikipedia, they are created when light rays bend around a distant object. Usually, they make the line of a horizon look like moving water. In extreme cases, like Fata Morgana, objects may appear flipped upside down.

Taking those final moments to improve the piece will ensure that your audience understands exactly what you mean.

In all of these scenarios, the reality is clouded by a warped perspective. In the same way, content creators can struggle to view their own work in an objective manner.

Down the Road

Before you publish, it’s good to know that someone has carefully reviewed your work (to avoid typos like this $40 million mistake). Whether you prefer a restrained proofread or a thorough analysis of the content, working with an external reviewer can improve the quality of your creative assets. Then, you won’t be putting your reputation at risk down the road.

Proofreading

Proofreading for both online and print can save you time, reputation, and money. It’s a meticulous process that checks for spelling, punctuation, usage, and grammar. To begin a proofreader will need to know what stylistic guidelines you follow. Then, each project receives a thorough analysis. Careful communication is essential for any small business.

Editing

Editing usually follows a broader process than proofreading. The purpose of editing is to make the work better overall. So, changes may include notes about tone, intended audience, clarity, or message. Often, editing refers back to the organization’s guidelines and the specific goals of the project. Also, editing can be focused on important details like fact-checking or whether the text is optimized for search engines (SEO).

In either scenario, my external review delivers a copy of your project with notes, suggestions, and corrections.

Bumps in the Road

While it can be unpleasant to make changes to a nearly published document, the benefits far outweigh the extra step. Taking those final moments to improve the piece will ensure that your audience understands what you mean. Otherwise, a small grammatical mistake or a missing source can lead to confusion, distrust, or an unprofessional first impression.

Do You Need Help?

My passion for proofing comes from my start in the automotive industry. When I made ads, a tiny typo could cost one of my clients thousands of dollars. I learned to sweat the details. Over time, I developed a discipline for checking work that helps me question inconsistencies and review every little piece.

You too can feel at peace with your promotions.

Make sure your audience understands your work by getting a professional review. Whether you simply want a quick proofread or a thorough edit, a fresh set of eyes can greatly improve your writing. Don’t let small mistakes distract your audience from your important message.

Additional Resources

  • Small Business Marketing Ideas That Can Make A Difference Today, from ExpressText
  • The 10 Best Ways To Edit Your Copy, According To The Experts, from Forbes
  • Study: 73% of Employers Want Candidates With This Skill, from Inc.
  • 5 Reasons Why EVERY Content Marketer Needs a Professional Proofreader, from Content Marketing Institute
  • The Differences Between Editor, Proofreader & Copy Marker, from Chron
  • How to Integrate Proofing into Your Creative Process, from Danielle Verderame