Janina Lawrence - Editor
Efficient copy editor and proofreader with over 17 years of experience. I specialize in all things nonfiction.
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Overview
I have over 17 years of editorial experience working in business-to-consumer and business-to-business environments including, small, mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies, in various industries, from publishing, investment management, pharmaceutical, financial services, utility, to retail.
In my work as a freelance editorial consultant, I have had the wonderful opportunity to provide strategic copy development and editorial insight for a broad base of clients ranging from major educational institutions to small business startups.
Much of my freelance work recently has been copy editing non-fiction books on a wide range of topics, including: memoirs, parenting, entrepreneurship, health/wellness, estate planning, etc.
I believe that a copy editor and proofreader are the last line of defense... ensuring all copy a writer creates is accurate, consistent and supports the writer’s intended message and voice.
My reputation as a copy editor supports the qualities listed above. And my success is based on that skill set, but focused on the ability to accomplish those goals in deadline-driven environments, with assurance and grace.
In my work as a freelance editorial consultant, I have had the wonderful opportunity to provide strategic copy development and editorial insight for a broad base of clients ranging from major educational institutions to small business startups.
Much of my freelance work recently has been copy editing non-fiction books on a wide range of topics, including: memoirs, parenting, entrepreneurship, health/wellness, estate planning, etc.
I believe that a copy editor and proofreader are the last line of defense... ensuring all copy a writer creates is accurate, consistent and supports the writer’s intended message and voice.
My reputation as a copy editor supports the qualities listed above. And my success is based on that skill set, but focused on the ability to accomplish those goals in deadline-driven environments, with assurance and grace.
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Computers & Internet
Finance & Accounting
Health & Wellbeing
Philosophy
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Technology
Work experience
Copy Editor
Self-employed
October, 2011
–
Present
(over 10 years)
• Provide strategic copy development and branding/editorial insight for a broad base of clients ranging from major educational institutions to small business startups.
• Proofread and edit internal and external communications including manuscripts, ads, brochures, RFPs, newsletters, bios, websites, pitch decks, blogs, etc.
• Clients include: Book In A Box, Chicago State University, Intrinsic Systems, Janus Henderson Investments
Copy Editor & Brand Consultant
Xcel Energy
March, 2012
–
March, 2016
(about 4 years)
• Copy edited all marketing communications for Advertising and Brand Strategy department.
• Proofread, edited and consulted on brand standards for ads, bill inserts, electronic newsletters, Web pages, emails, etc.
• Managed and updated internal trademark usage by collaborating with Xcel Energy legal department and intellectual property attorneys. Served as a liaison between internal clients and outside counsel—conducting research on trademarks, communicating U.S. Patent and Trademark Office deadlines, etc.
• Maintained the corporate communications and brand guidelines.
• Launched the MOOD (Marketing Operations on Demand) project management tool by conducting new user training and customizing the online tool to address the needs of Xcel Energy. Managed the day-to-day administration and maintenance of the tool, providing one-on-one assistance to individual users.
Project Editor
Sopris West/Cambium Learning Group
January, 2011
–
December, 2011
(11 months)
• Edited interactive educational materials (SMART Notebook & ActivInspire—Promethean software).
• Edited traditional classroom lesson plans and online storyboards in a Web-based environment.
Proofreader & Copywriter
Sports Authority
July, 2010
–
December, 2010
(5 months)
September 2011–December 2011 and July 2010–December 2010
• Proofread advertising and marketing collateral for weekly inserts.
• Wrote headline and technical copy for weekly circulars.
• Consulted with marketing, merchandising and traffic partners to obtain accurate, production-ready pricing and product descriptions.
Senior Associate Proofreader/Copy Editor
Discover Financial Services
April, 2004
–
July, 2010
(about 6 years)
• Provided copy editing and brand consultation on collateral in all mediums including online, direct mail and internal/external communications for Corporate Branding Creative Services department.
• Applied expert-level discretion to ensure high-quality product on multiple dimensions, including accuracy, consistency and sales impact of collateral.
• Evaluated layouts and proofs for clarity, organization, brand adherence, legal compliance, grammar/usage, punctuation, spelling, style and format.
• Educated team members, internal business partners and new staff on the proper use of service marks, legal disclosure, copy standards and branding guidelines.
• Collaborated with legal department to ensure all collateral adhered to legal standards.
• Maintained and updated the corporate style guidelines.
Portfolio (41 selected works)
Loyal employees attract loyal customers. Companies must adapt to evolving expectations and engage their employees in the same way that they engage their customers. Successful business leaders create a culture of listening across their organizations to inspire loyalty and build a competitive advantage. In LOYAL, Microsoft executive Aaron Painter explains how accomplished leaders use the time-te... read more
(Un)Skirting the Issues: A Guide for the Well-Intentioned Man in Today's Workplace
Bonnie Fetch, Jessica Poliner
Foreword by Dr. Steve Robbins, author of What If?: Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue. Men are from Mars and women are from Venus--but when it comes to the workplace, everyone needs to come down to Earth (at least in the workplace).While countless books are aimed at teaching women to thrive in business, very few are simply aimed toward helping men to lead the journey toward gender inclu... read more
Unbridled Spirit: Lessons in Life and Business from Kentucky's Most Successful Entrepreneurs
Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame
Famous for college basketball, horse racing, bourbon, coal, and bluegrass music, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is also home to industries and opportunities not normally associated with it. Compiled by the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, Unbridled Spirit shares the success stories of twenty of its members—business leaders who dared to think beyond the region’s best known institutions—to enco... read more
Corporate cultures, global mindsets, and employee priorities are changing, which means management and human resources departments must also evolve. To ensure teams are well crafted, motivated, and successful, managers and HR professionals must step outside their comfort zone and adapt to younger, newer ways of thinking—they must become Agile. In Agile People, management consultant Pia-Maria Th... read more
Having a supportive mentor as one moves up the company hierarchy can make a career-changing difference—between becoming a good leader or a great one. Without a guide or the knowledge of how to truly encourage talent, aspiring leaders and seasoned executives alike can flounder. After thirty years of professional success, Bill Hicks has lived the life of corporate leadership. In The Leadership M... read more
Lift Like a Girl: Be More, Not Less.
Nia Shanks
You sweat, burn, and fast until you’re exhausted...only to fall into a tailspin of stress, overindulgence, and blame. If you’re like most women, you’ve been through this vicious cycle more times than you can count. But what if fitness wasn’t about fixing flaws and shrinking sizes? What if your workout could be uncomplicated, energizing, and even fun?Fitness coach Nia Shanks has helped countles... read more
You don’t have to be over twenty-one, a college grad, or even out of high school to come up with a brilliant, marketable business plan. You’re never too young to get started, and there’s no time like the present. Gary Nealon has written an essential how-to handbook for teenage visionaries who are not afraid to dream big and are ready to leave their mark on the world.A self-taught serial entrep... read more
Obtaining key facts of the claims process while staying current on laws impacting workers' compensation claims takes time, effort, and the right partners. But claims examiners are often inundated with more than one hundred active claims, while claims managers, risk managers, and VPs are removed from the day-to-day hurdles of the process. All of these stakeholders need a way to manage claims ef... read more
Business change is often out of our control and can be very unsettling. But turmoil also creates opportunity. In A Guide to Positive Disruption, Joanna Martinez gives you the tips, tricks, and tools to become an effective agent of constructive change. She demonstrates how to roll with the punches of negative upheavals and gives you the knowledge you need to become a positive disruptor. In this... read more
On July 30, 2010, Matt and Emily were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy, Carter Matthew Abbott. Just six days later, Matt and Emily were faced with the decision to either take Carter off of life support or continue down a path with little to no hope of a life or future for their newborn son. Who Is Carter? is the true story of how the Abbotts embraced possibilities over limitations,... read more
And Whose Life Are You Living Anyway?
Angela Kenyatta
And Whose Life Are You Living, Anyway? What Wise Women Know and Do About Purposeful Living invites readers to invoke and marshal inner wisdom as a guide to more purposeful living. Author Angela Kenyatta offers a compassionate and compelling work that explores the intersectionality of the personal and the political in relation to identity, spirituality and power. Through a series of reflective ... read more
Despite companies today adapting to the digital ad age, there's one area of the business that still eludes many: the power of YouTube. However, in an information-saturated environment, YouTube's mix of targeting, video, and immediacy--along with the ability to personally influence customers--can be the key to catapulting a brand above its competitors to deliver measurable, notable results.Vide... read more
Experience Thinking: Creating Connected Experiences
Tedde van Gelderen
People don’t just buy products and services; they buy experiences. From the instant they recognize a need to the point when they’re ready to toss an older model for a new one, every moment of interaction with your organization matters. Therefore, to be successful, you must develop an experience with its entire lifecycle in mind—a holistic approach that will ensure you deliver end to end. Drawi... read more
This is not another self-help book teaching us how to be happy. Happiness is not the goal. While most people spend their entire lives working hard in pursuit of happiness, what we really want is a life of meaning and fulfillment. We want to flourish. When we’re young, many of us follow society’s traditional path to success. We hope to hit the milestones for achievement and eventually be fulfil... read more
When you’re launching a startup, one of the most important elements is the legal work involved. Unfortunately, it’s easy for many entrepreneurs to ignore startup legal work or make costly mistakes that could derail their business before it gets off the ground.But now there’s help. In Acceleration, corporate attorney Ryan Roberts guides you through the often confusing early legal decisions crit... read more
Becoming successful in today’s America is simple: graduate high school, go to a good college, and get a white-collar job. That path is going to lead you to the biggest paycheck and the best opportunities. Right?The truth is, some of the most lucrative jobs out there are blue-collar jobs—yet society pushes the perception that being an auto mechanic, plumber, electrician, or construction worker ... read more
Here Lies America is a fast-paced, hilarious travel narrative in which Jason Cochran visits the major American tourism attractions that exist because something really horrible happened there. He romps through disaster zones, battlefields, terrorist attack sites—as long as it has a parking lot and a gift shop, he put it on the itinerary, no gravestone unturned. Along the way, he takes a look at... read more
It has never been easier to start your own business. But avoiding the many pitfalls can be a challenge. As a solopreneur, you need to think not only as an employee but also as an investor, manager, salesperson, bookkeeper, and more. But it is worth it. If you’re aspiring to be in control of your life and willing to do the research to successfully transition to your ideal life, Kris Kluver can ... read more
Nearly a decade after the subprime mortgage meltdown of 2008, tens of billions of dollars’ worth of real estate remains in distress, and there are sizeable profits to be made by investors in the secondary market. Purchasing nonperforming loans (NPLs) from banks at rock-bottom prices doesn’t make you the “bad guy.” Resolving this debt doesn’t have to come at the expense of the people who defaul... read more
Rise: The Reincarnation of an Entrepreneur
Michael Erath
When the housing market crashed in 2009, Michael Erath lost everything. Due to a combination of declining sales, betrayals from key staff, and personal shortcomings, Michael went from owning two multimillion dollar businesses to almost destroying his marriage, losing his home and companies, and struggling to make ends meet. But he didn't let failure keep him down. Instead, he learned from his ... read more
Savvy Estate Planning: What You Need to Know Before You Talk to the Right Lawyer
James L. Cunningham Jr.
Too many people make the wrong choices when it comes to estate planning. If it’s not done properly, you could leave your loved ones facing trouble when you pass away or become incapacitated.Fortunately, you can learn from others’ mistakes and be prepared before speaking to a lawyer about your future.In this no-nonsense guide, attorney James L. Cunningham, Jr. shows how to avoid the top-ten mis... read more
The world today is filled with technology that allows us to interact with nearly every aspect of our lives. In this digital landscape, it's no wonder that so many people have ideas for computer programs. But contrary to what many professionals claim, creating apps and software doesn't require a degree in computer science. Anyone can learn how to code--and Sam Hinton can show you how.Skip Colle... read more
Rocking the Ship: Turning Corporate Managers into Business Model Mavericks
Uli Grothe, Mat Lock
If you want to future-proof your business, you need to challenge the status quo. Rocking the Ship enables you to create and implement groundbreaking innovations.You will... Understand why your company struggles to create business innovations Learn how to develop disruptive business models systematically Attain intellectual leadership by virtually and playfully attacking your own industry Creat... read more
I Call Bullshit: Live Your Life, Not Someone Else's
Joshua Miller
Joshua Miller wants you to be happy. Not just getting by, not just successful by society’s standards, but can’t-wait- to-wake- up-every- single-day happy. If you’re shaking your head, convinced that this is impossible for you, Joshua calls bullshit. The life you want is attainable—you simply need to reconnect with the person you really are.I Call Bullshit: Live Your Life, Not Someone Else’s ta... read more
Product management—done right—should span a healthy mix of the tactical and strategic, but too many product managers get buried in the tactical and underinvest in the strategic. This book is designed to help you, as a product manager, become more strategic—learning what work to say “no” to, and what to say “yes” to—and amplifying your impact on your company and its long-term product portfolio.... read more
One to Many: The Secret to Webinar Success
Jason Fladlien
It's no secret that the right type of webinar can easily double or triple your business profits. In fact, many companies today would be bankrupt if it wasn't for having a single, solid webinar. A strong webinar allows you to get more new customers into your business--and allows you to serve and make more profit from your existing customers and clients.Most of your so-called competitors don't u... read more
Every talented sales rep or manager wants to take their career to a higher level. But if you’re only focused on meeting quotas and expanding your territory, then you’re doing it all wrong. You have to think differently—to step outside your comfort zone and play offense instead of defense—if you’re really going to go places. And Mike Carpenter can show you the way. Sales is filled with lone-wol... read more
No one likes talking about death, taxes, or financial planning. But too many smart, capable, well-educated women like you are blindsided when unexpected curveballs complicate their personal and financial lives. You need a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to help you get all your legal affairs in order so you're ready for anything life throws your way. Attorney Naz Barouti has spent her care... read more
Any business environment is a team sport, but too many manager-employee collaborations ignore the fact that one-on-one is where the leadership magic happens. To build great relationships and produce incredible results, you need to create high-quality, give-and-take partnerships. In How Successful Teams Work, David F. Smith combines his extensive sales career experience with current scientific ... read more
In an industry with paper-thin margins, R1 International has become the world's largest rubber-trading company. Its meteoric rise took place because its founder, Sandana Dass, had a singular vision: to create a unique company to redefine rubber trading. Passion to Serve, Grow, and Prosper gives you an insider's view of R1's journey to success. Reflecting on the company's remarkable growth and ... read more
Once the papers are signed and the legal issues are settled, many divorced individuals struggle with insecurity about what comes next. But divorce can be your second chance at happiness—and this guide can put you on the path to that fulfilling future now.In Moving On, David Glass draws on his career as a family law attorney with a PhD inpsychology, as well as his personal experiences with his ... read more
The global marketplace is booming, and, as it grows, one thing is becoming evident: brands that are aligned to the individual needs and community thinking will be the winners of tomorrow. In industries ranging from food to tech to healthcare, customers want high-quality products and personalized experiences rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. Technology will be the ultimate enabler for co... read more
When you apply for a job but fail to get an interview, call back, or offer, no one tells you why. The fact is, most job seekers are unwittingly making critical mistakes at every stage of the hiring process--because the job-seeking advice they've always been told is just plain wrong. The unfiltered truth about how hiring decisions are really made is about to be exposed.In Almost Hired, Jackie D... read more
Launchers: Don’t Just Take a Job, Launch Your Career!
Kerry K. Litzenberg, Codie J. Wright
Even though you've graduated college, it doesn't mean you know what you want to do with the rest of your life, and the job position you take after graduation may not contribute to your long-term success. Instead of simply taking a job, you want to launch a career--one that's satisfying, invigorating, and financially rewarding.In Launchers, Codie Wright and Dr. Kerry Litzenberg offer a comprehe... read more
The World Needs Your F*cking Ideas: How to Start a Business That Will Save Our Universe
Benjamin VandenWymelenberg
You have an incredible idea that you can't get out of your head. It's all you think about, day-in, day-out, but you're reluctant to share it with anyone because you're afraid you lack the experience, knowledge, or capital to put it into action. Ben VandenWymelenberg not only believes in your idea--he thinks it's essential to the survival of our planet.In The World Needs Your F*cking Ideas, Ben... read more
Richard Conrad grew up in Washington, D.C., studied engineering and economics at Vanderbilt University, earned a master’s degree in Economics as a local student at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and later earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Richard worked for the last sixteen years for a large U.S. money management firm researching, analyzing, and investing... read more
If you're a software engineer used to writing code in a room by yourself, the idea of leading a team--let alone a company--can be terrifying. After all, there are so many things that could go wrong: you might make a bad decision that hurts the company, get fired, or--perhaps worst of all--with the extra workload and decreased coding time, your skills might get rusty, hurting both your future j... read more
Do you find yourself in the same, unfulfilling, destructive relationships time and again? Or do you know your relationship has potential, but you can’t seem to unlock it? If, like so many others, you find yourself stuck on a “crazy train” of secretive, addictive, and self-sabotaging behavior, it’s time to turn your life in a different direction. It’s time to experience true healing and relatio... read more
This Is It: If You're Waiting for a Sign to Start Your Business
Glenn Edwards, Jordan Edwards
You have grand entrepreneurial dreams, but uncertainty and fear of failure are holding you back. The fact is, there's no better time to start a new business or expand an old one than right now. And you can make it all happen by embracing the core principles of one remarkable family.Over the past decade, Glenn and Jordan Edwards, a father and son team of visionaries, have built numerous profita... read more
The Berman family is among the handful of Jews who, through courage, friendship, and luck, survived the systematic, brutal Nazi extermination of the shtetl in Kaluszyn, Poland during World War II. This is their harrowing story, told in the original words of Joseph and Mendel Berman, and the novelistic writing of their nephew, Harvy Berman. More than 95 percent of Poland's Jews were killed duri... read more
It has never been easier to start your own business. But avoiding the many pitfalls can be a challenge. As a solopreneur, you need to think not only as an employee but also as an investor, manager, salesperson, bookkeeper, and more. But it is worth it. If you’re aspiring to be in control of your life and willing to do the research to successfully transition to your ideal life, Kris Kluver can ... read more
Janina has 13 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Janina did a terrific job editing my manuscript. She went to great lengths to correct every single error in spelling and grammar. She went step further after the completion of editing, offering me an editing summary and a phone conversation for me to ask her questions. She is outstanding in both quality and speed.
Air L, July 2019
Reply from Janina Lawrence
I found more than 12 errors that she didn't and I'm awful at proofreading, so I'm certain there are more. Perhaps more importantly, this job was more of proofreading than copy editing, but was charged for copy editing. Lastly, she essentially ignored my comment about getting my text. I waited a couple days and then asked if she had received it and she simply acknowledged that she recieved, ...
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Askari Moyenda, June 2019
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Reply from Janina Lawrence
Janina was thorough, very responsive to all communications, and made every schedule and provided very helpful comments. A pleasure to work with her. RS
richard spitzer, June 2019
Janina was prompt, professional and on time. I would work with her again for proofreading any time!
Suzanne Norvel, April 2019
Janina was terrific! I'm a first time author and her ability to make my manuscript shine and read like a real author was amazing. I'm anxious to work with her again!
Kim Marie, April 2019
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Ray Sylvester
Developmental editing, copyediting, and writing for the nonfiction world: health, diet, nutrition, fitness, tech, and entrepreneurship.
Northampton, United States
