Proofreading Tips

There are 2 different RMI Proofreading instructions based on what is being proofread and for what purpose: 

1) Blog and Book Readability 

2) Proofreading for Content reserved for Ministers Only.

Authentic and Real

When we invite our brides to share a Praise Report, reflect on a lesson from their journal, or tell their restored marriage testimony, it's not about completing an “English assignment.” We're asking them to open their hearts—and that vulnerability is deeply personal and precious. Because of this, we must honor their words just as they are. Making too many changes can unintentionally alter the tone and meaning of their message, which we’ve been trusted to use in our blogs, books, and other resources. Our goal is to protect the authenticity and sincerity of what they’ve written, making only minimal edits that help ensure readers stay encouraged and engaged.

It’s also important to remember that many women who come to RMI are bilingual—English is often their second language. Even among native English speakers, many are from countries such as the UK, Australia, or South Africa, where grammar and usage differ from American English. Because of these beautiful cultural and linguistic differences, a proofreader who makes unnecessary edits can strip away the unique voice and depth of what they've shared. Our role is lovingly supporting their expression—not reshaping it—so their hearts can shine through clearly and honestly.

#1 RMI Proofreading is fixing typos or accidentally misused words that confuse the reader.

1. 1. RMI Proofreading is not for extensive commas, added or removed.
   2. RMI Proofreading is not for fixing run-on sentences, rearranging sentences, or treating what’s written as your own.
   3. RMI Proofreading keeps the flavor, feelings, and individuality of the author.

#2 RMI Proofreading for Readability ONLY

1. 1. RMI Proofreading does not involve in-depth changes or fact-checking, and RMI Proofreading is not the same as editing. ... 
   2. RMI Proofreading is the process of reviewing to ensure easy readability. 
   3. Think of RMI Proofreading as a Parent correcting their child’s homework: a few changes are fine, but when it’s proofread to the point it looks like a parent did the work, then it’s gone way too far. 
   4. Think of RMI Proofreading as if a teacher fixes and corrects a paper or report to the point that when a parent sees the child’s work, it appears to be at the level of the teacher—no longer reflective of the student’s original work.
   5. While seeking God, He showed us that proofreading an author's chapters too aggressively is actually a form of stealing—taking what is someone else’s writing and making it their own. It says, “By the Word of Their Testimony,” not “By the Word of MY Testimony.” To change excessively is to diminish its power because it has become less real.
   6. This includes adding a “navigational” link. Do not change the way it’s been written, but instead link it as is; otherwise, every praise report, journal, Restored Marriage Testimony, and/or Thank You Note begins to look the same, generic, bland with no flavor.
   7. We do not want to take away the freedom from anyone—each written work, each PR, and each RMT—each author should be free to express themselves. John 8:36—“Whom the Son has set free is free indeed.”  “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
   8. As a proofreader, please do only what is asked, don’t infringe on or take what is rightfully someone else’s work. “Every Word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His Words, lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6.
   9. To sum up the task of being an RMI proofreader:
      1. Editing is extensive changes to a document; editing is not allowed. 

#3 Proofreading is easily done in the comments under each chapter. Go to the webpage assigned:

1. 1. Carefully read through, preferably out loud.
   2. When you see a typo, misspelled word, incorrect Scripture reference, or the wrong word used:
   3. Open a comment, then copy and paste the full sentence TWICE.
   4. Leave the first sentence alone (the author or primary proofreader will use this to find what needs to be corrected).
   5. Correct the second pasted sentence (the author or primary proofreader can copy and replace the original sentence that contains the error).

Being invited to serve as a proofreader for RMI is a special role with a unique set of guidelines and responsibilities. These policies weren’t created randomly—they were prayerfully developed over time, often after difficult experiences where the enemy tried to twist or damage what was written. The truth is, words are powerful, and what’s shared through RMI has a deep impact. That’s why we are extra careful and intentional in how we encourage women.

In our very first book, Restore Your Marriage (RYM), we’re reminded of how important obedience is:

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:22).

“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

This is why we follow the protocols we have in place. Each one was established after seeking the Lord during a challenge or crisis, as a way to protect the ministry, the women we serve, and even the person unknowingly being used to cause harm. These safeguards help us stay focused, obedient, and united in what God has called us to do.