Writing, editing, and proofreading for public and private organizations, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals

  • Newsletters
  • Brochures
  • Direct mail appeals
  • And all sorts of other documents

Substantive editing

  • Includes rewriting, reorganizing, or suggesting other ways to present material and addressing issues of style in the sense of written or literary expression

Copyediting

  • Close attention to every detail in the manuscript
  • Correcting errors in grammar, syntax, spelling, and typing while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text
  • Deleting or pointing out repetition as appropriate
  • Reading for overall clarity and sense
  • Querying the appropriate party about apparent errors and inconsistencies

Proofreading

  • Proofreading text character for character
  • Proofreading latest version of text against previous versions, marking for errors and inconsistencies
  • Imposing consistency of style for heads, subheads, figure captions, table formatting, and so on
  • Correcting spelling and grammatical errors
  • Checking wording and page numbers in table of contents to match interior pages

How I work with clients, rates, and other details

I typically work via email on documents in MS Word, Notepad, or OpenOffice format. If you prefer and your timeline allows, we can arrange for delivery of a hard copy. I am also happy to work on-site for clients in Portland. The bottom line is that I will work with you to find an approach that suits your needs.

I will give you a quote after reviewing a sample (several pages, at a minimum) of the work to be edited or proofread and clarifying your needs and expectations for the project. If the quote is acceptable, we will sign a simple agreement detailing the terms, what you expect and what I will provide, fee, and timeline.

I can list suggestions and queries and send them to you in the body of an email, or I can mark up documents in MS Word using Track Changes editing tools. I am also happy to mark up a hard copy and either deliver (depending on the location), fax, or scan and email back to you.

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