For plant lovers, dealing with pests is a constant challenge. Ask any plant parent, and they'll probably tell you that they frequently check for signs of unwanted guests.

I've dealt with several plant pests over the years: spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Several of my plants have ended up in the garbage because of damage from those pests.

If you look carefully at the photo at the top of this post, you'll notice a tiny mealybug on my Hoya pubicalyx. It's surprising that mealybugs would like this plant because the mature leaves are quite tough. In fact, this plant is sometimes called a wax plant because the leaves are so thick and waxy. So what sustenance would a mealybug find there?

What you might not realize is that the leaf in that picture is brand-new. You also might not be able to tell that the mealybug is feasting on the underside of the leaf. What a sneaky pest! He hides where I'm not as likely to see him.

And here's a photo of my beloved Monstera adansonii, often called a Swiss cheese plant. I had such a bad case of mealybugs on this plant that I had to get rid of it, despite many attempts with neem oil spray. The mealybugs completely ignored the older leaves and feasted on the brand-new ones instead. So frustrating!

How to Resist Pests as a New Proofreader or Editor: Lessons from My Houseplants

Because they're full of nutrients, new leaves are a tasty snack for pests. Plus, fresh leaves haven't developed strong defenses yet, unlike the older, tougher ones. It's like bugs can tell that the young leaves are an easy target.

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Now, let’s plant this lesson in the soil of our lives.

Just as young leaves on houseplants are vulnerable to pests, new proofreaders and editors can struggle with their own set of challenges in the early stages of their journey. Some of the struggles I faced early in my proofreading career were imposter syndrome, slow reading speed, not enough clients, and lack of project organization. Have you dealt with any of those?

Here are some pests that may plague you as a new proofreader or editor:

• Overlooking instructions: Failing to thoroughly read and understand client instructions can lead to errors and dissatisfaction.

• Rushing through projects: New proofreaders may feel pressured to complete tasks quickly, compromising the quality of their work.

• Underpricing your services: Setting rates too low can undervalue your skills and make it challenging to sustain a viable business.

• Ineffective communication: Poor communication with clients can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and dissatisfaction.

• Lack of specialization: Trying to be a jack-of-all-trades instead of specializing in a specific niche may weaken your expertise. For example, I chose the niche of transcript proofreading, even though my experience qualifies me to proofread or edit other types of content.

• Taking negative feedback personally: Viewing feedback as a personal criticism rather than an opportunity for improvement can hinder professional growth. I admit that I struggle with this.

• Inconsistent marketing: Failing to consistently market your services can lead to periods of low or no business.

• Burnout: Overcommitting and neglecting self-care can result in burnout, affecting both your work quality and well-being.

• Not setting boundaries: Failing to establish clear boundaries with clients may lead to unrealistic expectations.

• Fear of saying no: New proofreaders may fear turning down projects, even when overwhelmed, leading to stress and subpar work. I struggled with this when I first started my business in 2016. I accepted almost every proofreading project that came my way, even when my schedule was already nearly full.

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Have you struggled with any of these pests? My hope is that by pointing out these possible pitfalls, you'll know what to watch for as you begin your proofreading or editing adventure.

Embrace the journey, pitfalls and all, because it's through challenges that we grow. Remember, just like a plant strengthens its roots through various seasons, your skills will grow with each project.

To your success,
Julie from The Proofreader Greenhouse

P.S. If you'd like to read the other articles in The Watering Can, click here. 💦