Katrina Horlbeck Olsen

Katrina Horlbeck Olsen – Editor

Copyeditor/proofreader specializing in memoirs, education, and computer science. Polishing up language while retaining the author's voice.

Overview

I have over seven years of experience as a production editor and proofreader working for publishers, such as Pearson Education and No Starch Press, as well as independently. I've worked as a copyeditor and proofreader on a variety of nonfiction, such as computer science/programming, memoirs, business/life self-help, education, mysticism, and more. I find joy in working on books where the author is an expert in the topic because they bring in so much energy, excitement, and care into the work. It makes me as an editor want to work hard to make their book absolutely perfect so that it has the widest impact on readers' lives. Many readers do not know all the work that goes into creating a book, but the story can still impact their lives and sit on their bookshelf for years to come, and this is where it all begins—with finding the right words. As an expert, it can sometimes be difficult to write for the novice mind, so I am here to ensure all ideas come across clearly.


As a copyeditor, I can provide the following:

- Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation

- Tracking continuity of the plot and any discrepancies

- Keeping tone consistent throughout the text

- Suggesting additions or deletions to improve readability

- Creating a style sheet that will cover common spellings used and any special style rules the author requested


As a proofreader, I can provide the following:

- Correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation

- Looking out for any page layout issues (e.g., repetitive words, word spacing, page alignment, bad breaks across lines/pages)

- Checking for conformity to style sheet

- Confirming cross-references, references, bibliographies, and indexes

- My final product to you will contain all my edits showing so you can then take it to a compositor or finalize the changes yourself


It is rewarding when authors truly enjoy the process. I've had several great experiences with authors where they shared kind words, such as how I “carried the book from draft to publication with a rare talent for people management and textual understanding."

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Computers & Internet Education & Reference Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2023 — Present

Freelance editor for nonfiction, programming, mysticism, memoir, business, and self-help.

No Starch Press

Sep, 2019 — Aug, 2022 (almost 3 years)

Took computer/programming books through copyediting and proofreading, all the way to publication.

Pearson Education

Jun, 2017 — Aug, 2019 (about 2 years)

Worked with authors and copyeditors to create science textbooks. Led the revision process for a first edition lab manual.

Portfolio

Proofreading
Proofreading
Running to Catch Up: Winning in Spite of Myself

Jones, Stephanie

Stephanie Jones

Copy Editing Proofreading
Meridian

Kim, Kija

Clark Hill Publications

Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
The Redox Promise

Seeds, William

Seeds Scientific Research Performance Institute

Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading

Katrina has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

sherry W.

sherry W.

Dec, 2024

This is a tough review to write. Katrina was responsive, and she could feel into the editing she made with comments. And this is where all elements fell apart. What she gave me was a three times reviewed, and final almost useless adobe document that would require me to go at it all a FOURTH time - beginning to end and page by page - and re-do all the edits that got placed into adobe. Because a...
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Katrina H.
Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding about the final product of the project. Sherry's request included copyediting and proofreading. I asked which one was preferred since these are different...
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