Spellcheckers are wonderful things, but the truth is that if the document that you just received and/or are about to send out to your client was checked only by a computer spellchecker, then it could contain some very embarrassing errors. The truth is that spellcheckers and grammar checkers are a good start. Very often a typo will be a properly spelled word and will not be flagged as an error.

After spell checking you still need to proofread your document. The best solution is to have someone else proofread your documents, but if that’s not available, read through it, then file it away and forget about it. At the very minimum and if you’re facing a deadline go back after taking a break. After a long break. Eat something, do something different. The best time to proofread your own work is to wait a few days after you’ve finished it.

The problem with proofreading your own work, especially right after you finished writing it, is that your brain knows what it’s supposed to say and may skip over any mistakes assuming what you thought you wrote is actually what’s on the paper. Yes, on paper. Screen proofreading may be fine for some, but if it’s something really important I will print it out and sit away from the computer and any other distractions and mark it up like a sixth grade English teacher.

Back to your brain… If you’re reading your own writing, your brain sees what you wrote and since it already knows what the next word is, it will assume it’s right. If you must proofread your own work righ away, be sure and make the effort and read every single word. Not just look or scan or glance through it. Stop and read every word. You’ve got to force yourself to read every word, otherwise your brain will allow you to read over mistakes.[ad#htmllinks-1]

Training while your building your freelance business can be difficult. Going back and forth from college can be time consuming to get this certificate. The costs of college courses plus your time involved will take away from building your business. A lot of proofreading courses can be done online. Available when you’re available.

Take classes when you have time. The cost is much less than that of a traditional college. The best part is that if you take the time to find it, you can take the proof reading courses through an accredited college meaning that you are actually getting a college education.

To become a professional proofreader, you must have many skills. It is not a simple job that anyone can do. It does take training and it does take skill and dedication. A proofreading course is a simple step on the way to ensuring a great freelance career. Because they are readily available, it is easy to find them, easy to get in, and well worth it in the cost department.

Establishing yourself as a professional is hard work. It is much easier to get into the field and gain the trust of someone who can later open many more doors for you when you have a certification behind you. It just makes sense to make the time to take the courses and to learn from them so you can excel in your freelance business.