Introduction: Tired of s t a r i n g at your essay, manuscript, web copy, or personal statement until you’re blue, wondering what you have to do to make it *P*O*P* ? Looking for someone to polish your dissertation or write your report in more academic language? Look no further!
As a freelance writer and editor, I edit and (re)write for authors and doctoral candidates who need a second pair of eyes before publishing, and entrepreneurs who need support in the written aspects of business. With a strong background in teaching both English and foreign language, I also offer targeted support to bilingual clients writing in their second language.
As a linguist, I am meticulous about all the mechanics of grammar, spelling, punctuation, verb tense and agreement, and effective word choice. I have a sharp eye for detail and pay special attention to the nuances of language and idiomatic expression. These skills have served me well as a copy-editor. But truth be told, after taking on a wide variety of writing and editing projects over the last five years, I’ve discovered that my sweet spot is three-fold: tightening dissertations, polishing manuscripts, and embellishing personal statements.
I’m a very hands-on editor. From our first contact, I do my best to be generous with my time, to be thorough in my work on your documents, and to keep all communication productive and open. First, I ‘crawl into your head’ to listen for your voice and to understand your purpose, your message, and your target readership. When working in non-fiction, I often take the initiative to fact-check or add notes of interest in the margins. When working in fiction, I welcome the chance to enhance your descriptive passages or to deepen your character development. As I invest myself in your story, I occasionally come across a passage that begs to be developed a bit further. If you give me the green light, I’ll extend the narrative as I invite the reader to linger in a moment that is pivotal to the arc of your story. Then after I do my thing and send you the edited version, I meet with you on Skype to review and tweak until you are happy with the results!
Here are a few scenarios which match projects that I’ve tackled in the last few years:
Scenario 1: Your story is beautifully written; your purpose and message are clear. But you question your character development, thought sequences, and dialogue. And you wonder: “What can I do to make those thorny descriptive passages *sing*?”
Scenario 2: You are a master at writing essays that are informative and compelling. Still, you sense that something is ‘off.’ Do you need help with the structure of your piece or ‘connective tissue’ such as strong topical sentences and transitional phrases?
Scenario 3: You love big words and long, elaborate sentences. But truth be told, you know you tend to run on and get wordy. Or passive voice has become your guilty pleasure. Reluctantly, you admit that you need someone to chop those sentences, distill your ideas, and set those verbs straight.
Scenario 4: You’ve filled your personal statement with your achievements, but you aren’t sure it is enough to make you stand out in a field of qualified applicants. How can you make it more compelling?
Scenario 5: English is your second language, so writing in English does not come easily to you. You puzzle over verb tense, idiomatic expression, and effective word choice. And what the heck is correct syntax? And why is it important?
Help!
Regardless of your situation, here’s a dirty little secret: Even successful authors have to check their punctuation and spelling, question their verbs, and wonder when it’s ok to ditch formal language for something more colloquial.
That’s why God made editors ! ! Help is on the way !
As I have mentioned, I love helping those who are writing in their second language to untangle the wording and nail the right tone. I grew up abroad and have been a serious student of other languages all my life, so I understand the unique challenges of writing in a second language—I’ve had to do it myself! My international clients find that this background gives me an edge as their editor. I have a knack for understanding the intended meaning behind your words so that we can find a way to express things more effectively.
Whether I am polishing your web-copy to highlight your brand, sharpening the impact of your dissertation, or drawing your readers deeper into your novel, my top priority as your editor is to keep your purpose, your message, and your readership in view. With each of these elements in mind, I listen for your ‘voice’ and quickly catch the vision for the potential impact of your words. At the same time, I note weaknesses that may be compromising your effectiveness. This gives us a place to start as I bring new integrity to your work.
In short, My Mission Is to Craft Your Message.
So, what do you say? Will you trust me with your words?
Pat Stainke
The Language Delegate
My Mission: To Craft Your Message
