Works-every-time secret weapon for copyediting like a pro
/Hey Alexis, how long will it take me to implement the awesome suggestions that I'm about to read? You're going to be asking a lot of people to do something that most likely is not on their job description, so be realistic and give them at least 24 hours to turn this around.
I've been on my fair share of one-woman teams. Sure, it makes scheduling department meetings a breeze, but it makes other tasks, like proofreading new copy and playing double dutch during lunch an interesting challenge.
And so, I've devised the ultimate plan, my secret weapon, for activating a cadre of captive proofreaders for about $2.50, total. Ready for it? Here it comes ...
Make it a game!
Once you've thoughtfully reviewed your new copy—sorry, you're still on the hook for the initial proof—send it around to your entire staff with the following message (or something along these lines that works for your company culture):
Dear team,
Happy [DAY OF THE WEEK]! Below, you'll find some new copy, hot-off-the-presses and ready for a whole bunch of discerning eyes.
Before this goes out to our readers, I want to be sure that it meets the standards our dear customers have come to expect. That's where you come in!
Please review this copy and pass along any errors no later than [DATE/TIME]. The first person to send in an error will get a cup of coffee, a donut, or whatever little afternoon pick-me-up your heart desires (within reason, no booze, womp womp), on me!
Thanks for all you do!
While you may choose to deploy this tactic for only your most important proofreading needs, consider making certain weeks of the year "prize weeks,"so that you're not on the hook for coffee and donuts in perpetuity.
For example, do you send a weekly email? Take out your calendar and randomly designate one week each month for the remainder of the year as "prize-eligible proofing week" (and keep it a secret).
You'll want to communicate the process in advance and ensure that your everyone understands that not every week is actually a "prize-eligible proofing week." Though you may be sending around a regular email for crowdsourced edits each week, make sure that everyone understands that it may or may not be a week where they'll win a prize for submitting the first error.
In other words, don't take advantage of people who are willing to play along, and don't piss them off. Coffee is a nice gesture and a great way to show that you value the help, but we're all stretched pretty thin, so it's important to respect and appreciate everyone's time.
#ProTip: It's worth checking in with your finance department (if you've got one) to see if there's a little petty cash to fund the effort. After all, $2.50 is a lot less than hiring a new staff member to edit your content. Never hurts to ask, right?
Test this secret weapon recently?
Let me know when you've taken this recommendation for a test drive. What works? What doesn't? Share specific successes and data-backed challenges here and be entered into a monthly drawing for free coffee. See what I did there? Making my own advice WERK!