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2/15/2011 So, you want to be a proofreader but your grammar’s a little rusty. Is it all over?Read NowYou have a good eye for detail. You’re thorough. You’re patient. You have what it takes to be a proofreader.
Except... your grammar is a little bit ropey. Don’t worry. Those other traits – the eye for detail, the thoroughness, the patience – are innate. Those things are incredibly difficult to learn. Grammar? That’s something that can be learned. Now, depending on whereabouts you are on the ropey-o-meter will decide what kind of assistance you’re going to need. If you just need to tighten up your understanding of dangling modifiers, split infinitives and the like, then you probably just need to study a copy of Fowlers Modern English Usage. If, however, you’re in need of a bit more of an overhaul, you’re probably going to need something a little more intensive. English Grammar Revolution offers a pretty good place to start. The course uses videos rather than books to explain the eight parts of speech and to teach you basic sentence diagramming. And then there are downloadable PDF worksheets for practicing and fine-tuning your understanding. If you’ve got the eye, patience and determination to become a proofreader but you’re worried that your understanding of grammar might let you down, English Grammar Revolution is well worth a look, particularly as it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Click on the link below for more information. What have you got to lose?
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On the sales page of this website and in the introduction to The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course itself, I advise my readers to be wary of any proofreading course which includes modules or chapters on the subject of grammar and proper English usage. The reason I counsel caution with regard to this is simple: why pay for something which is available elsewhere relatively cheaply (Fowler’s Modern English Usage) or completely free (The Plain English Campaign website)? It’s what the kids call a ‘no-brainer’. Apparently.
Well, I’ve just stumbled upon another fantastic free resource, offering comprehensive instruction on the subject of grammar and English usage. It’s an online training course provider called Alison and you’ll find it here. There are a whole host of individual free courses available, from IT and mathematics to chemistry and economics. The course you’re likely to be interested in is called ‘English Grammar Rules’ and it is described thus: “This free online course offers a comprehensive revision of English grammar. It is designed for those already fluent in English, but who want to improve their writing. It covers punctuation and grammar, from commas and colons to adverbs and prepositions. By completing this course, you will see a marked improvement in your written English. Each section breaks down the rules into easily assimilated explanations. There is a section on spelling. This course is ideal for anyone looking to improve their written and indeed spoken English.” All you need to do is sign up (which is free) and go here. Then, one push of a button and you’re off. I really can’t recommend this highly enough for those of you who feel their grammar skills may need a little bit of an overhaul before they attempt to embark on a proofreading career. Best of luck. |
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“I am one of those many fools who paid a huge amount of money for a useless course. This book... has opened so many doors for me. I now look on Mike as my mentor as I embark on a career. Thank you Mike.” Emma Steel, Proofreader and International Structural Editor. “ I thoroughly enjoyed the course and am so glad that I decided to take it... the whole experience was invaluable. My proofreading service is now well established and your course played no small part in getting it off the ground.” Hache L. Jones, Proofreader. “I'd just like to thank you first of all for writing such a great, straight forward eBook, and then going above and beyond what I would even expect as a customer by providing us, completely free of charge, updated versions months later!” Rachel Gee, Trainee Proofreader. “What can I say? Worth every penny and then some! God Bless! This a fabulous course.” Teresa Richardson, Proofreader. “As someone who has effectively been proofreading for thirty years, I found Mike’s No-Nonsense Proofreading Course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of this discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it as the ideal starting point, and much more besides.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. Blog AuthorMy name's Mike Sellars and I'm an experienced proofreader and the author of The No-Nonsense Proofreading Course. Click here to find out more about me. 
The No-Nonsense Proofreading CourseA Fraction of the Cost of Other Proofreading Courses NOTE: Stock is currently limited to 10 per day, so we can continue to deliver exceptional after-sales service, answer queries and provide open-door support. Credit card and PayPal payments accepted. “As someone who has been proofreading for 30 years, I found Mike’s course an invaluable introduction and a very useful practical guide to many aspects of the discipline. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.” Jeremy Meehan, Proofreader. Still want to find out more? Click here. Proofreading Categories
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