To edit well, it’s critical to know the technical fundamentals of English and apply them with careful attention to detail.
But for writing to really hit home, there’s more to it.
If you’re my client, I make sure that your unique voice rings out clearly.
Types of editing
No two editing jobs are the same. Sometimes, the editor suggests substantial changes. Sometimes, the job is a simple review to make sure there are no errors.
These are the categories of editorial work I offer:
- Structural or developmental editing helps shape content,
form, and other basics. This is the most labor-intensive kind. - Line editing deals with tone, flow, word choice—the more
subjective parts of writing. It’s another dimension of… - Copyediting. This is about grammar, spelling, fact-checking,
and other technical matters. - Proofreading is the final check: typos, formatting errors, etc.
The “clean-up” stage after design and before publication.
Significant issues should be resolved before this.
Experience
In the last two decades, as an employee and as a contractor, I have worked:
- at community newspapers, in roles from intern proofreader to beat reporter to obituaries coordinator to managing editor
- at a local adventure-sports magazine, where I edited fiction and non-fiction
- for many clients in diverse sectors: tech start-ups and hyperscalers, medical device manufacturers, pharma firms, medical practices, and publishing companies
Currently, as a freelance editor, I ensure the accuracy and clarity of documents including:
- fiction (novels and short stories)
- non-fiction (journalism, E-books)
- business communications
- educational material