Services

I’ve got your editing, writing, and design needs covered. Whether it's a single social media post or a 100-page report, let’s make your words shine!

Editing

Choose from 3 types of editing, listed below in the order in which they occur in your development timeline.*

  • Your piece is taking shape, but it needs

    • extensive rewriting or restructuring,

    • considerable fact-checking, or

    • broad project management.

    Content editing includes the elements of copyediting and sometimes copy writing. It involves in-depth interventions in continuity, structure, and flow. For these reasons, it is often referred to as developmental editing.

    Content editing typically occurs early in the writing process or when you reach a roadblock. In most cases, you’ll need a copyeditor later in the development process, even if you employ a content editor early on.

  • Copyediting is what most people think of when they hear the word "editing." At the point you engage a copyeditor, you generally feel good about your piece's content. Mainly, you know that you’re expressing your ideas as intended. I help with the four Cs:

    • Correctness – Check basic facts. Make sure spelling, punctuation, and grammar adhere to applicable writing guides. Note where any citations or reprint permissions may be needed.

    • Consistency – Faithfully apply the defined style. Match up related elements, such as charts, illustrations, and their in-text cross-references.

    • Clarity – Ensure each idea is stated as simply as possible.

    • Coherence – Achieve a compelling and logical flow.**

    If you’re professionally publishing your piece, you also may want to hire a proofreader later in the process, after a copyeditor.

  • The concept of proofreading has evolved with the computer. For many pieces, it’s synonymous with light copyediting and may occur before a writer signs off on the content. However, in the strictest sense, proofreading is the review of a formal design/printing proof.

    Either way, as your proofreader, I

    • correct surface errors, such as grammar or spelling, and

    • ensure consistency.

    Since proofs are usually one of the few opportunities to see everything put together — words, images, tables, references, etc. — I check for an integrated, cohesive design and consistent styles.

I serve business and academic writers. Sure, I love books. They change people's lives every day. But I also think proposals, websites, and training materials are cool. After 20+ years of editing, I still get chills from a good report, brochure, or user guide.

Think about what kind of editing you want or contact me to discuss your options.

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* The three types of editing are by no means set in stone. Various experts talk about editing differently. It can be challenging to fit every piece into a distinct pigeonhole. Still, I find it's helpful to offer these editing types as a framework for our discussions. If you aren't sure what you need, we'll figure it out together!

** Many thanks to Amy Einsohn and Marilyn Schwartz, who so brilliantly explain the four Cs — correctness, consistency, clarity, and coherence — in the book The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications.

Writing

I'm a seasoned writer for business reports and proposals, web pages, social media, events, training materials, and more.

I've worked for private corporations, the federal government, nonprofits, higher education, and PhD candidates.

Let me help you write clear, compelling content that delivers the exact message intended for your readers.

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Design

The design process includes 3 phases, listed below in their typical order.

  • Think of this as brainstorming. We discuss your piece’s purpose, key message, audience, call to action, ideal communication channel, and measure of success. There may be a few of each.

    We also discuss your budget and timeline and define a project plan that fits your parameters.

  • During the initial design phase, I mock up a few options to get us closer to your vision of the perfect piece. We use these mock-ups as visual aids to spark more targeted brainstorming.

    This phase can include a good deal of back-and-forth, depending on how involved you want to be in the creative process​. We collaborate to refine your design in a way that satisfies your needs while remaining mindful of your time and budget constraints.

  • This is the final phase in the design process. After you’ve signed off on your preferred mock-up, I develop an array of assets:

    • Document elements – Headers, footers, headings, tables, charts, footnotes, etc.

    • Graphic elements – Images, illustrations, icons, web assets, animations, videos, soundtracks, etc.

    These assets help to build your finished piece. I provide proofs for your approval, adjust as needed, and then submit the final file formats necessary to publish or otherwise distribute your piece.

Make your statements make a statement!

My focus is on "document design" — meaning the structure and vibe of the words on the page as created by fonts, headings, footers, charts, icons, and more. Document design goes hand in hand with graphic design. I rely on years of design experience, plus a great network of other talented artists, to meet your every document or graphic design need.

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