WHAT DO YOU OFFER OUR EDITORIAL OPERATION?
I’m an ace copy editor — sharp, skillful and dependable. Beyond setting record scores on timed editing tests, I earned my chops editing trainloads of deadline copy at major regional newspapers. In my 30-plus years in publishing, I have served as slot — the last-chance copy editor — at four daily newspapers, including the Rocky Mountain News and the Omaha World-Herald, and an online publication, Global Press Journal. While honoring the voices of your writers, I’ll make sure every sentence of your copy is letter-perfect. In addition to deftly repairing flaws in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word usage, I will untangle twisted syntax, excise superfluous words, and break up run-on sentences. I’ll make sure every syllable and punctuation mark conforms to your appointed stylebook. I will tighten and trim copy to specified word counts. At your request, I will fact-check and critique your copy. I also offer my gift for writing thoughtful, provocative headlines; as you can see from my samples, I am careful to match the tone of each story. A versatile team player, I will bolster your staff by editing a regular allotment of copy, filling in remotely for someone on leave, or offering a hand in a crisis. I can be a big help in preparing recurring sections. You’ll find an array of my writing samples, including award-winning columns and feature stories, on this site. Please also check out my career overview and résumé. Supervisors and colleagues heartily vouch for my talent, work ethic and devotion to excellence. I will happily provide all the references and testimonials you could want.
WHAT ARE YOUR RATES?
Basic copy editing and fact-checking: $25/hour
Premium copy editing: $35/hour
Transcription: $50/audio hour
Writing: I can work by the hour (at the premium copy editing rate) or by the word (rate negotiable). Or lay out the project and make me an offer or request a bid.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BASIC COPY EDITING, PREMIUM COPY EDITING AND CO-WRITING?
In a basic copy edit, I fix what’s wrong: I correct errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation and word choice. I make rough writing smooth and easy to read. When I do premium copy editing, I take the writing to a higher level. Beyond fixing errors, I look for opportunities to make the prose more stimulating and effective. I may recommend reorganizing the copy or making significant deletions, alterations or additions. I make good writing better. When I co-write with a publisher or bylined commentator, my role is similar to that of a speechwriter: The principal writer lays out the purpose of the piece in conversation, bullet points or a rough draft, and I fulfill the client’s intent in persuasive prose. Within a range of creative imagination that feels natural for the client, I’m apt to employ metaphor, irony, humor, and literary and cultural allusions. I discuss and rewrite each piece until the client is delighted with it.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH LEVEL OF EDITING I NEED?
Most clients know what they want, and they’re always right. If you ask for a basic edit, that’s what I’ll give you. At the same time, I’m a bit like a good customer care rep at a service shop: While striving to do what I can within your budget, I’ll let you know what needs doing — and what level of quality you can get if you up your budget. I’ll jot notes spelling out any additional work I propose and letting you know what it would cost. Not interested? Not a problem.
WHY DO YOUR HOURLY RATES VARY ACCORDING TO THE KIND OF WORK YOU’RE DOING?
My rates represent different forms and levels of exertion. I would charge you more per hour to shovel your drive after a heavy snowfall than I would to sweep it in apple blossom season. If you need your drive repaved — well, you have to budget for a project like that.
WHAT EDITING SYSTEM DO YOU USE?
I typically edit in Word documents passed back and forth via email. I can also work in Google Docs, Dropbox or any other document-sharing platform you prefer.
OUR OPERATION HANDLES SENSITIVE INFORMATION. CAN WE RELY ON YOUR DISCRETION?
Absolutely. I establish and uphold clear agreements about secrecy. To ensure the security of your operation, I will readily sign a nondisclosure agreement. My longtime colleagues will vouch for my honor and integrity.