Annie Deakins ☆ Proofreader non-fiction and children's books
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anniedeakins.bsky.social
Annie Deakins ☆ Proofreader non-fiction and children's books
@anniedeakins.bsky.social
Proofreading non-fiction for indies and publishers. Inc children's books, education, religion. CIEP PM. Retired teacher. Sprinkling publishing confidence. Mrs Tomsk.
proofnow.co.uk
This is why it is important to use an editor and/or proofreader. If you are an indie author, register for this free webinar to find out what professionals can do for your writing.
If you write in any form, a professional editor or proofreader can take your words further.

Join us for a free webinar that reveals what editors & proofreaders really do — and why you might want one in your corner.

📅 16 July | 2–3pm BST
🔗 Register now: tinyurl.com/edrhf5ff
July 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Chapeau, son! 🎉 🎩
Good morning from York.

First 400km ✅
April 19, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Here's how to comment and query writing in style. My edibuddy Katherine @geckoedit.com has great tips for maintaining respect for the client.

I should know. I was one of her clients.

Read the whole thread 🧵

#Writing
#Editing
#Publishing
Last night a production editor at a big five publisher complimented me on my commenting style. So here are some tips! I'm rushing this out while boarding a plane so please forgive typos.
#amediting #authors #writing #publishing
April 3, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Today is the 1st anniversary of the publication of my eBook! One year ago, on 02.04.24, I used Amazon KDP to publish Tall Tartan Talks – My Collection of Blog Posts: Tips on Running a Business.
To celebrate I have updated the book cover.

#Freelancer
#Proofreader
#SelfPublishing

#TallTartanTalks
April 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I asked the book designer of one of my indie children's book authors to take part in a case study: How does a book designer work with an indie author? Glen Holman wrote about 'Sping' in my new blog post.

#Designer
#CaseStudy
#ChildrensBooks

#TallTartanTalks

www.proofnow.co.uk/how-does-a-b...
How does a book designer work with an indie author?
This case study explores how a book designer planned and designed a children’s chapter book for an indie author I worked with.
www.proofnow.co.uk
February 27, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Good listening, that is, active listening, is a lost skill.
My new blog post in my communication series has techniques for active listening. What are the signs of a good listener?

#ActiveListening
#Communication
#TallTartanTalks

www.proofnow.co.uk/what-are-the...
What are the signs of a good listener?
How well do you listen to others? What are the signs of a good listener? By good listening I mean active listening.
www.proofnow.co.uk
January 28, 2025 at 12:03 PM
📢 I will be emailing my January newsletter on Wednesday. In it I share my monthly news and latest blog post soon to be published. If you would like to receive it, please sign up here:
dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/527762...

#Marketing
#Freelancer
#TallTartanTimes
January 27, 2025 at 1:46 PM
I am excited that I have been successful in my application to upgrade to Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP).
Here's my shiny new logo for my website!
I am grateful for the support of #edibuddies and other freelancers. Thank you 🙏
December 20, 2024 at 8:23 AM
Reposted by Annie Deakins ☆ Proofreader non-fiction and children's books
Hello Bluesky! This is a space for editors, proofreaders and writers to connect, share insights and support each other in their professional journeys. Whether you're a seasoned pro or starting out, there's a place for you in our community.

#CIEPCommunity #Editinglife #ProofreadingProfessionals
December 5, 2024 at 11:44 AM
Reposted by Annie Deakins ☆ Proofreader non-fiction and children's books
New starter pack for members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) to find each other. Bookmark the link as more people will be added to it later. go.bsky.app/9pp1tVx
#StarterPack #CIEP #Edibuddies #AmEditing
November 16, 2024 at 2:16 PM
Self-care tip:
Switch off email notifications

I realised something ... I can switch off work email notifications on my phone. I was getting heart palpitations whenever I heard my email phone tones. Now I switch them off when I don't need them!

What do you switch off for self-care?
January 22, 2024 at 3:26 PM
🖋️ More website features you should check

This is Part 2. Freelancers, you'll find the link to Part 1 in this post, called 6 Website features you should check.

#Website
#Marketing
#TallTartanTalks

www.proofnow.co.uk/more-website...
More website features you should check (Part 2)
Tall Tartan Talks here ... More website features you should check (Part 2). An extended list of website features for you to check.
www.proofnow.co.uk
November 24, 2023 at 9:24 AM
Balance the freelancing see-saw – the ups and downs of being a freelancer.

My latest blog post on how to control the peaks and troughs and maintain balance.

It's also the start of Self Care Week. Look after yourself.

#Nonfiction
#Freelancing
#Proofreading

www.proofnow.co.uk/balance-the-...
Balance the Freelancing See-saw
Balancing the ups and downs of your freelancing see-saw can be a challenge trying to control various aspects of your job.
www.proofnow.co.uk
November 13, 2023 at 12:06 PM
Do you have a website? Do you want to refresh your website?

My post gives you six website features you should check.

#Website
#Marketing
#TallTartanTalks

www.proofnow.co.uk/6-website-fe...
6 Website features you should check
Tall Tartan Talks here ... Six website features you should check. Here is a list of website features for you to check and are easy to fix.
www.proofnow.co.uk
November 6, 2023 at 10:53 AM
I wrote for the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading for the CIEP's external newsletter Editorial Excellence.
Blog tips apply to any author/editor when helping indie authors:
How editors can support self-publishing children's book authors

#Indies #KidLit

blog.ciep.uk/childrens-au...
How editors can help self-publishing children’s book authors
It’s easier than ever for first-time authors to self-publish children’s books but the process can still be confusing. Annie Deakins demystifies her role as an editor, explain
blog.ciep.uk
October 25, 2023 at 7:44 AM
New blog post: Philosophy for Children (P4C)
Continuing my education series, this follows after 'Children's Well-being'. Find five other education posts in this series.

Taking bookings for proofreading non-fiction, education and children's books.

#TallTartanTalks
www.proofnow.co.uk/philosophy-f...
www.proofnow.co.uk
October 23, 2023 at 10:19 AM
I had my covid and flu jabs on Monday. On Tuesday I felt low. I blanket snuggled and slept. I didn't feel guilty because I was up-to-date.
Freelance life is a see-saw – full of ups and downs. Scheduling flexibility is a big advantage. Is your freelancing see-saw going up or down?

#TallTartanTips
October 18, 2023 at 4:14 PM
Good stuff here about how to do effective email marketing with your subscribers. Helen, a fellow Drive tribe networking member @helenlindop.bsky.social, is worth following for her sensible approach to keeping your readers / followers on your website. Helen taught me how to use Mailerlite. 🙏
At the moment I'm doing some adult education employability training alongside my email marketing freelancing. If that sounds a strange combination, here's why I do it and the surprising overlaps between the two helenlindop.com/2023/02/25/7...
October 16, 2023 at 9:30 AM
A post from the archives: Websites and Marketing

First published in 2019, before my tartan-ness rebranding, though BitmoAnnie is wearing tartan.

Before things changed in the socials, making owning a website essential.

#Marketing
#TallTartanTalks

www.proofnow.co.uk/websites-and...
October 16, 2023 at 8:02 AM
Had a lovely trip to my local market town today. Visited the indie bookshop. Picked up this book as a birthday gift for my husband.

'Bibliomaniac' was written by Robin Ince who was a keynote speaker at the #CIEP conference in September. He is a presenter/comedian on Radio 4.

#TallTartanTreats
October 6, 2023 at 5:09 PM
Punctuating Children's Fiction (Part 2)
Continuing my guide for indie authors of children's books.
The link to Part 1, in case you missed it, is in this post.

See my hashtag to see more of my blog on LI: #TallTartanTalks

#KidLit
#Publishers

www.proofnow.co.uk/punctuating-...
Punctuating Children's Fiction (Part 2)
Continuing my guide on punctuating children's fiction for the self-publishing authors of children’s books about how to punctuate dialogue.
www.proofnow.co.uk
September 28, 2023 at 8:05 AM
Thank you Erin @ebrenner.bsky.social for a great thread (?) about Grace Marshall's talk.

My takeaway: How to turn issues into opportunities.

#CIEP2023
Thank you, Grace Marshall, for an inspiring talk!
24/24
#ciep2023
September 14, 2023 at 11:17 AM
Hi Bluesky,

Good to be here. I'm a freelance, CIEP-trained proofreader of non-fiction and children's books. I proofread for publishers and indie authors.

I'll have a little play over here.
September 8, 2023 at 1:50 PM