Skip Card – Editor

I worked for 22 years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor, including five years at the New York Post. My rare combination of writing and editing expertise means I do more than correct spelling and grammar mistakes. I can repair poorly constructed sentences, eliminate trite cliches, and turn wordy fluff into concise prose. I represent the perfect partner for an author who seeks not just a copy editor but also a seasoned writer who will provide honest, constructive feedback -- someone who can spot errors and improve prose yet preserve an author's individual style and voice.
My broad career experience spans a variety of general-interest skill sets:
-- I spent the first half of my career as a newspaper copy editor, learning to fix faulty grammar, correct improper word use, rein in run-on sentences and identify areas where facts slip into fiction. I later moved from editing to reporting, covering several cities and school districts near Tacoma, Wash.
-- In 1999, I became the outdoor recreation writer for the Tacoma News Tribune. I have also written or contributed to three outdoor guidebooks ("Take a Hike: New York City," "Mount Rainier: A Climbing Guide" and "Best Rain Shadow Hikes: Western Washington") and written numerous travel stories.
-- When love lured me to New York City, I took a job as a copy editor with the New York Post, where I wrote those famous Post headlines.
-- I reviewed New York City public schools for the nonprofit website. I detailed my experiences as a father of a young student in the "Elementary Dad" humor column.
-- Taking a break from journalism, I created and operated Hookline Fish Co., a Hudson Valley food company specializing in Northwest-style smoked salmon. Operating a commercial kitchen immersed me in the world of recipes, cooking techniques, and food safety protocols.
-- I currently work as the copy editor for Commercial Observer, a weekly publication and website covering commercial real estate in New York, Florida, California and Washington, D.C.
Despite my nonfiction background, I have a deep appreciation for creative authors such as Douglas Adams, P.G. Wodehouse, Joseph Heller and Carl Hiaasen. I enjoy working with writers who have a quirky sense of humor.