I have more than twenty years of experience, with a record of meeting or exceeding deadlines. I have copyedited and proofread hundreds of journal articles and books in a large range of fields.
I see my role as, first, to be an asset to the publisher by understanding the publisher’s mission, adhering to house style, and being a professional representative; second, to diplomatically guide the author through the copyediting or proofreading process, with respect, transparency, and flexibility; and, third, to apply my copyediting and proofreading skills to the text to provide readers with a work that clearly presents what the author intends.
I feel it is important to stay up-to-date on the consensus of language experts on style, usage, and grammar. I’m aware that these things change with time and that sometimes a rule becomes passé.
I consider it vital for me to find the author’s voice, discern the appropriate register for the material, and help to maintain these throughout the work. To aid the author, I provide brief, clear queries and explanations. When the author expresses interest in learning more about my reasons for a suggested change, I provide a longer, more detailed explanation, with backup from the experts when appropriate.
I keep my software and hardware up-to-date, I have a thorough knowledge of how my software can aid me in editing, and I’m always on the lookout for macros and techniques for increasing efficiency.
Because I have twenty years of experience in copyediting, proofreading, developmental editing, and writing, I am fast and I am thorough. I know what kinds of problems to look for, when and how to use reference materials, and when to ask the production editor for guidance.
Because I love my work and the written word in its many forms, my clients have in me an advocate with a fresh perspective, enthusiasm, a can-do attitude, and flexibility.
The end results are that readers will never have to read a sentence twice to understand it; that authors learn to trust me, feel I am there only to help, not impose my editorial will on their work, and are confident their work contains no errors; and that I’ve fulfilled my role in helping publishers uphold their reputation for publishing an excellent product.