by Sharon Ernst | Sep 18, 2026 | Proofreading and Editing
Although my oldest (who is in his 30s) disagrees with me about the importance of this because–he says–rules are changing, I am sticking with my principles and training for now. And I want to make sure we all know how to capitalize correctly. So let’s take a quick dive into the rules you need to know… How to capitalize correctly Although it might not happen too often, there might be times when you will write headlines, titles, headings, subheadings and the like as part of your writing at work–or you might be...
by Sharon Ernst | Sep 13, 2026 | Proofreading and Editing
Editing. It’s a skill we’ve always needed but will need more of in the age of AI. If editing isn’t something you feel confident doing, here’s an example of a paragraph in desperate need of fixing…and step-by-step instructions for how to tackle it. For this editing lesson, we have a run-on sentence—71 words—that does say something, but the reader gets lost in it because it is so darn long and confusing. Here’s the sentence, with brand names removed: The auto industry has paid lip service to digital sales...
by Sharon Ernst | May 25, 2026 | Proofreading and Editing
(Originally published Feb 2022. Updated May 2026) Clear writing is sadly lacking in both marketing and business content these days. Here’s why… No matter how many decades I spend working with words, I continue to be shocked by the lack of writing for clarity all around me. I see cluttered and clunky writing everywhere, in marketing content and in business writing. Usually it would only take a little bit of proofreading and editing. Sometimes I wonder if people are getting paid by the word, for goodness sake! But, no, I realize...
by Sharon Ernst | Apr 12, 2026 | Proofreading and Editing
(Originally Published December 2017. Updated April 2026) Use of the ampersand, (that’s what the symbol at the top of your 7 key that looks like & is called,) has long been a pet peeve of mine. In my opinion, it should only be used when you’re typing *&^% instead of an actual swear word, or in a name like the Harry & David logo. It should most definitely not be used in place of “and” in your business writing…as in never. Ampersand as speed bump In business writing, our goal is to communicate clearly and quickly so...
by Sharon Ernst | Mar 17, 2026 | Proofreading and Editing
Originally published in 2021 with the launch of our free proofreading course. Updated in 2026 to keep offering proof proofreading matters! Proofreading shmoofreading, blah, blah, blah… If that’s your attitude toward this critical communication tool, read on to learn how typos can cost businesses millions of dollars—and even damage careers. Plus you’ll learn how our free proofreading course can help YOU avoid such costly mistakes! How Proofreading Protects Your Brand…and Bottom Line Proofreading is important to you as an...
by Sharon Ernst | May 23, 2024 | Proofreading and Editing
A newsletter reader asked for advice on when to use exclamation points. An editor, she said many of the younger writers she works with use too many. And she’s looking for guidance, asking “What’s an appropriate use for exclamation points?” Gulp. I might not be the right person to ask. I too am an exclamation-point-loving fiend, despite no longer being young. (Although for all other punctuation, I do offer a free proofreading course.) But it’s a good question! This kind of punctuation is similar to emojis, in my opinion, which I am...
