Ursula Acton

Ursula Acton - Editor

Saskatoon, SK, Canada

I am a long-time copy editor and proofreader. I would love to collaborate with you to perfect your work. It's all in the details.

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Overview

Aside from a brief, ill-considered stint waiting tables, all of my working life has revolved around reading and writing. I do not consider myself a big-picture editor and largely shine in the niches of copy editor and proofreader. Got a project where we are scouring out errors, polishing grammar, fine-tuning nuance and idiom, and getting the punctuation just right all while preserving the author's voice? Lead me to it!

I have worked largely in the field of academic publishing – is it odd that I find bibliographies gratifying? – interspersed with fiction and non-fiction titles for smaller presses (and a very enlightening three years as an in-house proofreader for a communications company). Recent topics have ranged from general books on linguistics, religion, self-improvement, social sciences, and history, to Wittgenstein, neurosis, and KCNQ2-associated epilepsies (that latter is a bit of a specialist market, granted). At present, I am also enjoying working with authors on biographies and memoirs and finding ways to help people tell their stories.

I am invested in harmonious working relationships and strive to help authors get their work ready for press.
Languages
English (CAN)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
History
Philosophy
Political Science & Current Affairs
Psychology
Religion & Spirituality
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Sociology

Work experience

proofreader and copy editor

Self-employed
January, 2001 – Present (about 22 years)

This is my life. Years of freelance and contract work for a variety of authors and presses, in a variety of genres, and on any number of topics.

Portfolio (10 selected works)

Negotiating the Paris Agreement: The Insider Stories

Jepsen, Henrik, Lundgren, Magnus, Monheim, Kai, Walker, Hayley

Social Meaning and Linguistic Variation: Theorizing the Third Wave

Hall-Lew, Lauren, Moore, Emma, Podesva, Robert J.

Dear Peter, Dear Ulla

Nickel, Barbara

Ursula has 11 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

REV HO
Ursula was amazing and very focused on my novel. I appreciate her knowledge of the English language and her ability to communicate with me to determine specific copy edits.

REV HO, February 2023


George Boreas
Exceptional attention to detail, expertise, and professionalism. Working with Ursula was a pleasure, and after her edits, I'm confident that my book meets the highest standards. Highly recommended.

George Boreas, February 2023


Ray Dan
Ursula is a talented professional to work with. She is dedicated with good communication and finished ahead of time. She also went beyond the task, although minor issues were identified later on - which is Normal. Would 100% recommend.

Ray Dan, February 2023


Estella Ma
Working with Ursula has been a very pleasant experience. She is an efficient and professional editor and I am very grateful for her excellent editing skills which have improved the readability and quality of my thesis. She has been very prompt in replying to emails and I have had very good communication with her. She has given me a lot of encouragement and support like a nice friend. Without he...
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Estella Ma, January 2023


michael garel
Ursula Acton is an editor that punctuates her views with a penchant for forensic fact finding. Her approach to the unknown is met with unending curiosity. She is respectful of an artist's passion, and will tread lightly on structural development. However, much could be gained in the area of cultural disparities, and the value of a mixed metaphor. Other than the above mentioned, she is a most ca...
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michael garel, December 2022

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