Central Proof

Adapting to a new proofreading gig is usually pretty tough. Now that I’m doing the work it would normally take two proofreaders to do, while trying to avoid billing overtime, adjusting is taking a little longer.

Two problems present themselves at the new gig: One, the house style has grown cobwebs. It hasn’t been updated since 2005. New writers don’t even know it exists. Two, the volume of work is more than I’ve ever done alone. I remember lots of promotions and other projects running at REI, but at least there I could benefit from the guidance of the staff proofreader. Plus they had a central proof room—less intimidating than a pile on the desk?

Now, it’s me. I’m it. And I’m torn between committing my self to the job completely, in hopes that it’ll make the project easier as it goes along, or balancing the minimum work necessary to survive, as the proofreader before me likely did.

I don’t get paid enough to work my ass off there. I’m a freelancer. Do I give up the steady work for offers coming in that are higher pay but more sporadic? A case of the Mondays?

No, no, I’ll continue on and contribute my best work. Tomorrow I’ll sit in on the writers’ afternoon meeting.

Any suggestions for items to bring to the floor?