FAQs
Why should I hire you to be my editor?
Editing is my joy—seriously! I love helping writers produce their best work. My background in both journalism and academia means that I am an expert in reviewing both general and academic nonfiction writing, even for unfamiliar subjects. I will give your work extremely thorough and detailed attention and will offer helpful comments and suggestions. I don’t suggest changes for the sake of edits; I preserve your natural writing style, letting your personal voice shine.
I’m confident in my writing skills. Why do I need an editor?
Even great writers need editors. When you nurture a writing project and spend hours poring over every word, it becomes difficult for your brain to notice problems with clarity, syntax, etc. A copy editor serves as a fresh set of eyes to identify structural or grammatical issues, typos, factual errors, stylistic inconsistencies, subject/verb/tense agreement, and more. Editors bring a manuscript as close to flawless as possible.
What about editing software? Won’t that be good enough?
Editing software, such as Grammarly, can be very useful. You’ll be alerted to grammatical and spelling errors, and paid versions of the software can suggest vocabulary changes, identify potential issues with tone, and note passages or phrases that are excessively wordy. However, software can’t edit for nuances. It can’t completely consider your audience and intended goals. It generally won’t catch when a sentence or paragraph changes tenses midway through. It won’t catch inconsistencies (e.g., referring to a school in Dallas, Texas, in one paragraph, and then identifying it later on as being in Fort Worth, Texas), and it won’t be able to offer personalized suggestions to rephrase or reorganize sections for clarity. In addition, some editing software recommendations are simply wrong given the context of the sentence or paragraph. Starting with editing software can help, but a live, human editor will give your writing an extensive, personalized, and customized review.
What if I’m nervous about working with an editor?
I get it. Asking someone to review and offer critiques of your work can be nerve-wracking! But think of me as a positive, supportive adviser who will enhance your writing. I’ll clean and tidy your sentences, polish and brighten your overall message, and offer helpful suggestions and practical advice.
I need something edited by tomorrow. Can you help?
It’s certainly possible! While I can’t guarantee that I can accommodate a rush job, I will do my best to help. Click “Contact” on the top menu to let me know your project’s scope and timeline.
Have you worked with non-native English speakers?
Yes! I am experienced in helping non-native English speakers produce clear and grammatically correct writing. I am sensitive to the challenges that native speakers of other languages have when writing in English. My goal is to help all writers feel confident about their work.