Everyone needs an editor. Don’t publish before proofreading.

What’s the secret sauce to writing effective content? A keen editor.

Everyone needs an editor, even the most skilled writers. Recognized as “the last line of defense,” editors are charged with catching poor grammar, careless typos, inaccurate information and other errors before a piece of content is published for all to see. Because mistakes can have a lasting impact on a brand, we encourage our users to throughly review their content before publishing an annual report. To begin editing, focus on these areas:

1. Spelling

Although spellcheck is a helpful tool, you can’t solely rely on spellcheck for a mistake-free report. For example, if you spellchecked this sentence, “Amid a year plagued with uncertainty, our nonprofit has been their for each and every community member, ensuring they have the necessary resources to whether this crisis.” Spellcheck wouldn’t have been able to change “their” to “there” or “whether” to “weather.” To ensure a comprehensive review of your report, reread each sentence carefully. You should also have another pair of eyes read your content. Try seeking help from another coworker or utilize our editorial services.

2. Grammar

Annual reports riddled with grammatical errors can distract your readers and harm your credibility. Remember, the ultimate goal is to publish a top-notch report with clear messaging. So, ample time and steady patience are key. Step away from your desk if you notice your eyes are beginning to glaze over after hours of writing and rereading. When you feel reenergized, try printing your content onto a physical page and completing a line-by-line edit, circling any remaining errors with a pen.

3. Voice

Strong, consistent language differentiates your brand. To help you identify awkward phrasing or abrupt sentences, try reading your text out loud. This strategy will help you make the necessary changes you need before hitting publish.

Remember, words matter. If you’re strapped for time, explore our editorial services.