Proofing 101 reviews simple tips for streamlining your pattern writing and editing processes.

I was typing away at my next Proofing 101 post recently, when I realized I had so much to say about that particular topic that it could be its own series. So while I work on putting those posts together, let’s wrap up Proofing 101 with an index of just what each post covers (ok, really it’s more of a table of contents in structure, but because it’s at the end of the series rather than the beginning, I’m calling it an index).

1. Introduction to Proofreading - Why you should improve your proofreading skills even if you’re going to hire a tech editor; how to get started proofreading.

2. The Joys and Perils of Find and Replace - How to use my favorite proofreading shortcut, and what to watch out for so you don’t overuse it.

3. Boilerplate Text - Why it’s not cheating to have standard text for certain parts of your pattern, and why you still have to proofread even if you copy and paste.

4. Checking That It’s All on the Page - How to write clear instructions that include all the necessary details (by far the biggest mistake writers and pattern designers make).

5. Efficiency Isn’t the Goal - My theory of holistic proofreading, and why speed in proofreading isn’t necessarily the fastest way to fewer mistakes.

6. Style WITH Substance - Not sure what a stylesheet is or why you need one? This is the post for you.

7. Designers are Proofing It for Themselves - When you are the only proofer available, how do you get fresh eyes on your pattern? Here are my favorite tricks.

I hope you’ve picked up some useful tips from this series! My next editing tips series is coming soon. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to find out when it starts running!