LaVonne Hammans

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Introduction: Because of my husband's work, we have moved all over America. I have had to use my skills in a broad range of occupations. I started out teaching and then added tutoring reading to children and adults who struggled with reading. I did artists in residence work in theater after one year of heading and traveling with a theater troupe in the Midwest. I wrote, directed and even acted in the the plays when things happened like my leading lady running off with a salmon fisherman from Alaska over Christmas break. This thrilling year of theater happened after a year of doing the same while I taught English, journalism and drama at a small accredited college. I had always been a writer, and when we moved back to Iowa I took a job with a local daycare writing curriculum for them. While working for them, I was called and offered a job by the local county paper whose publisher had read articles I had published in various publications. I worked as head editor and hard news and feature writer, then added general manager to my jobs. As someone at a community paper I had to wear a lot of hats. I developed ad campaigns and wrote lots of successful informercials and news columns for doctors and other local businesses. Eventually I was burned out at the paper, and decided to become a free-lance writer and editor. I worked proofing global economic reports for Principal for years. I spent a year ghost writing a book. After that I worked extensively with students at college. I feel the opportunities I have had for using every skill my education gave me has given me a much broader range of skills than most can boast of. I really enjoy people, and it makes me very fulfilled when I can help people experience success at what they are trying to achieve. If a job is copy-editing or just proofing, I enjoy the mental adventure of finding the minute error and making it right. I always go above and beyond what the job requires as I become totally engaged in whatever the job is. I will not take on more jobs than I can handle. i want to give prompt service. If I discover a client is going to need a lot of personal attention with a paper, I will not take on additional jobs until I see them through because I enjoy the fact that I can choose to my concentrated effort to one job!

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Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

100%

Cathy S.

Oct 9, 2012

Kate S.

Sep 25, 2012

I've had extensive experience working with LaVonne, both in a conventional journalistic setting (she was the manager of a newspaper I was editor of) and in a freelance capacity. I have absolutely no qualms referring my clients to LaVonne when I'm unable to take on a job. Not only are her proofreading, copy-editing and copy-writing skills topnotch, but her client rapport is also excellent; she has a knack for determining just what it is a client needs -- from quick-and-dirty proofing to in-depth content revision -- and delivering the agreed-upon service in spades. If you require direction in this way, she will definitely help you get your ideas across more effectively. Plus she's a delight.

LJ H.

Sep 28, 2012

Hired on Thumbtack

LaVonne is amazing and incredibly helpful if your writing needs to be strengthened. I am a Master's Level student who has been working on my Masters Thesis through National University online program. Needless to say without LaVonne and her attention to my learning style, I would be struggling more than necessary. If you have any writing anxiety, foundational writing problems, help overcoming a negative response from a professor LaVonne will bring you through to the other side. LaVonne responds quickly and provides immediate feedback on your writing. LaVonne makes herself available and restores your confidence through her professionalism and compassion. I highly recommend LaVonne to other students and others who are in need of editing and honest feedback about the written work. Respectfully, Lorelyn J. Hambelton

Editing

FAQs

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a lot of post grad work so I am done with doing much more of that. However, I continually review various style manuals such as the APA or AP. I also find example papers and articles utilizing various formats and read them to make sure I am fully current on what is being expected, as standards always change. Evenings may find me reading selections from the Purdue Owl or just reviewing obscure punctuation or grammar rules. Despite all the great things the internet has to offer, I keep the giant sized Webster dictionary handy, as well as a very big Thesaurus so that I can help my client have all the choices that are out their to make their writing excellent.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have always been a writer, but when I left college I taught English, journalism, creative writing, literature, speech and debate for many years. My husband's work led to lots of moving so I made good use of my education, applying it to various opportunities. When we moved back to his home state of Iowa, I would have had to go back for a lot of classes to be re-certified to teach in Iowa. A publisher who had read some of my writing offered me the editorship of a good-sized county paper. I jumped at the chance and worked as head editor, general manager and features writer for nine years. I loved it and I really honed my skills as a writer. However, after a time I became very discouraged over the fact that I never had time to write for myself anymore, so I left the newspaper and opted for freelance work. I delight in the way it can combine my passion for teaching with my love of writing as I help people with their projects.
What types of customers have you worked with?
My most common work involves proofing and editing creative writing projects and academic projects. I also write articles for organizations that would like to get information about themselves or special events into the media.