Dabian Witherspoon – Editor

I enjoy all types of writing and storytelling, my background demonstrates excellence, and my level of versatility is unparalleled.

Since 2011, I have been a copy editor, developmental editor, proofreader, and screenplay analyst. I have also been a project manager (publishing) since 2021.

I have worked with a variety of clients, including university presses, commercial publishers, and authors. I am careful to retain my clients' voices while helping them improve their writing and avoid problems that could make them look careless or unprofessional. I am one of the best writers, proofreaders, and editors available regarding grammar, sentence structure, efficiency, and clarity.

I am proficient in fiction, nonfiction, formal, and informal writing. I adapt well to various genres and subjects. I have edited and proofread a variety of print and electronic texts, including books, court transcripts, essays, screenplays, comics, graduate papers, dissertations, articles, marketing materials, and websites.

I am an Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) member, and I have a five-star rating on Reedsy.com.

As a screenplay analyst, I provide manuscript and script coverage, which includes a synopsis and a rating. I identify a story's strengths and weaknesses, such as significant formatting errors, clarity issues, and inconsistencies. I also offer a more in-depth story analysis if requested. I have worked with writers, producers, and writing contests such as the Roadmap Writers Top Tier and Accelerator Contests, the University Film & Video Association Conference Screenplay Competition, and the Baltimore Screenwriters Competition.

As a project manager, I guide a manuscript through its publication stages, which include submission, developmental editing, author review, and submission to the operations team. I collaborate with a managing editor and a technical editor in this effort.

I was a college instructor for 11 years and a high school teacher for two years. I taught ELA, ESOL, composition, world literature, African American and African Diaspora literature, Introduction to Literature, humanities, United States history, African American history, African American studies, screenwriting, and film studies.

I hold a Ph.D. in English, which demonstrates my perseverance as well as my superior analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.

My education also includes a 120-hour TEFL Certificate, an M.A. in African American and African Diaspora Studies (aka Black Studies or Africana Studies), and 32 hours of graduate-level coursework in history.

I look forward to working with you soon.

Dabian W., Ph.D.

Testimonials:

Working with Dabian on my book was a great experience. He approached the manuscript with care, precision, and a deep respect for the voice and message behind the words. His copyedits were not only thorough and insightful but also thoughtfully explained, allowing me to engage with the process in a collaborative manner. As a result, every change felt purposeful and well-considered. His level of attentiveness made all the difference. I now proceed to the proofreading stage with complete confidence that the manuscript has been copyedited to the highest standard. I’m incredibly grateful for his contribution and would recommend him without hesitation to any author seeking a skilled and conscientious copyeditor.

— Lisa G.