FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My foundation in language and communication is both academic and lifelong. Formal Education: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, graduating cum laude from Adelphi University. My studies provided me with strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are invaluable in understanding and refining diverse texts. Ongoing Professional Development: I am committed to staying current in the editing field and continuously enhancing my skills through workshops, webinars, and industry resources focusing on grammar, style, and best practices in editing and proofreading. Practical Expertise: Beyond formal training, I have over 15+ years of hands-on professional experience, as mentioned in my introduction. I am highly proficient with industry-standard tools essential for editing, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word with Track Changes), Google Workspace (Google Docs), and Adobe Acrobat Pro. In addition, I leverage professional-grade AI tools like Grammarly Premium as part of my review process. Think of these tools as my 'co-pilot'—they handle routine checks for common errors and consistency, which allows me, the expert human editor, to focus entirely on the critical things AI can't do: refining your unique tone, ensuring a consistent author's voice, and perfecting the nuanced flow of your writing. This hybrid approach ensures you get the best of both worlds: technological precision and expert human judgment. Style Guide Knowledge: I excel at working with major style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) and AP Style, to ensure consistency and professionalism in your documents. The wonderful anecdote about my mother, the English teacher, is something I've shared in my main introduction, as it really speaks to my lifelong passion for language!
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My journey into editing and proofreading truly began at home. My mother was an exceptional English teacher, and growing up with her guidance, I developed a deep appreciation for the power and precision of well-crafted language. This early exposure wasn't just a childhood interest; it sparked a genuine passion. I found I had a natural eye for detail and a love for helping to clarify and polish text. Over the years, I actively sought ways to hone these skills, which eventually led me to build a career around what I do best: ensuring written communication is clear, correct, and impactful. It's work I genuinely enjoy and feel privileged to do!
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Over my 15+ years in the field, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with a diverse range of clients, helping them polish a wide variety of written materials. My experience includes: Businesses of All Sizes: From large corporations like QuadGraphics, Lowe's, and HBO to small businesses, marketing firms, and entrepreneurs. For these clients, I've edited and proofread corporate communications, marketing materials, website content, print and digital media, direct mail campaigns, and technical documents like end-user manuals at Broadridge Financial. Authors and Publishers: I work extensively with independent authors preparing their manuscripts for self-publication on platforms like Amazon, as well as with traditional publishers such as Sibylline Press. I've edited full-length books across various genres, including complex projects like "Continuity" by Bonnie Clevering (a 62,000-word, 492-page book with extensive visuals) and a 130,000-word manuscript for Sibylline Press. I'm thrilled to have edited books like "Deliverance Through Horror: Tales of Strange Mysteries" by Mason Quinones and "FOLLOW THE FORMULA: Tri-C Parenting" by Dr. Brian Rees, both available on Amazon. Organizations and Publications: I've also partnered with non-profit organizations and publications such as Structure Magazine. Professionals & Job Seekers: I partner with mid-career and senior-level professionals to edit and optimize their resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. My goal is to ensure their professional story is presented with the clarity, confidence, and impact required to land their next great role. Whether you're a first-time author, an established business, or an organization looking to ensure your message is perfect, I adapt my approach to meet your specific needs and style guidelines.