Frequently Asked Questions
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What format should I use to submit my job?
I accept hard copy and digital copy – your choice. You can hand deliver (or mail) copy or disks, or you can send digital versions via email attachments. We prefer to work with Microsoft Office software but .rtf or .txt files can also work. Graphics and photos should be sent as .jpg files. For desktop publishing, I work with Adobe Creative Suite.
Why should I use the services of an Editor to help me with my manuscript? Why not just use spell-check on my computer and have a few friends read it?
Spell-checkers are great inventions – I use them too! But they are very limited in their scope (e.g. they won’t tell you when “their” should have been spelled “there”, or when “form” should have been spelled “from”), and they won’t check many grammatical, design or structural problems. Check out the poem on the Editing page to see what this might mean! While it’s always a good idea to have another pair of eyes look over your work, friends may deliver about the same service as your spell-checker, depending on their language skills and experience. Most people aren’t trained to have a keen eye for catching and correcting mistakes – that’s why so many of them get through in so many of the things we read these days!
Employing the services of an Editor means that you’re serious about presenting yourself in the best possible way. This is vital if you’re a professional, a business person, or a student wanting to get ahead in a competitive world. Clumsy language use and multiple typos in your communications don’t inspire a great deal of confidence in your abilities – even if what you have to offer has nothing to do with language! If you spend time and money on your image – dressing well, interior design for your office/business, top quality marketing materials – don’t fall short by putting out poorly constructed communications. Whether they’re proofreading or copyediting, an Editor will ensure that you look as polished and professional on paper as you do in person!
Alternatively, if you are a student or writer hoping to succeed in the competitive world of academia or publishing, using an Editor to help you refine your work will give you an edge towards success.
What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?
There are three levels of editing: proofreading, copyediting and substantive editing. Each level requires more refined and complex work on your copy. For a detailed description of each, see the Editing page.
What about privacy and copyright issues?
I take privacy and copyright issues seriously – it's part of my business, my legal requirements and my code of ethics. I guarantee to treat everything you send to me in the strictest of confidence. I never sell or use your name or contact details without your permission. All files sent to me will be deleted or destroyed upon your request once a job is completed. In the event that I would like to use your job as an example of my work, I’ll gain your permission first.
I need to make a brochure for my club but I haven’t a clue how to do it or where to begin. Can you help?
Yes! I’ll start by discussing with you your needs, goals, audience, message -- in short, what you want to achieve through your brochure, making suggestions where appropriate. I can help you write copy, if needed, do the design and layout, and deliver the final printed product to you, if required.
Can we meet face-to-face or do I have to do it all via the internet?
I'm happy to meet with you in person at your home or office if you are in the vicinity of Port Townsend, Washington. Most clients prefer the convenience of sending files electronically and communicating from the comfort of their home or office, via phone, video conferencing or email. Let me know what you prefer when placing your order.
I don’t live in Washington, USA. Can I still use your service?
Indeed you can! Increasingly, with the convenience of internet technology, customers are coming from around the globe. I have experience in American, Australian and British English usage and will adapt my work according to your needs. If you live outside of the United States and have been referred to me by another customer or via the internet, I can work just as efficiently with you, as if you were around the corner.
Is there a minimum requirement for jobs?
No job is too small, but there is a minimum charge of $30 on all jobs.
I know someone who’s writing a book. They could probably use some help editing it. Can I give a Gift Certificate as a birthday gift?
A great gift idea – and very unique! I can send out (email or snail-mail) an Editing Gift Certificate for the amount you choose, to either you or your gift recipient. A perfect way to value their talents and efforts.
I’m a student who struggles with writing term papers. Will you write them for me?
Short answer? No! If you’re a student, I'm here to help you increase your language skills and improve your outcomes, not do the work for you. I can assist either through tutoring or by proofreading and copyediting your term papers.
I’ve just written a novel. Can you help me get it published?
I can certainly help you with the prospect of getting published. By having your manuscript professionally edited you increase the chances of getting your work noticed by publishers. I'm not, however, an agency for authors and writers so I won’t be able to link you with publishing houses.
Why should I use you over other similar service providers?
There are three important things to look for when choosing an Editor: training, experience and examples of their work. There is also a component of 'personal fit'. Read through my credentials on my Linked In page – I have over thirty years experience in writing, editing and communications, specializing in the Humanities. If it feels like a good fit, send me an email or give me a call and let's chat about your needs and expectations. If you're still unsure, I'm happy to provide a complimentary edit of a single page of your work – to show you what I do and how it might help improve your writing. Working relationships are an important element of overall success on a job and I take the time to listen and communicate in a timely, clear and friendly manner with my clients. I'm always open to feedback too!
< back to Contact
What format should I use to submit my job?
I accept hard copy and digital copy – your choice. You can hand deliver (or mail) copy or disks, or you can send digital versions via email attachments. We prefer to work with Microsoft Office software but .rtf or .txt files can also work. Graphics and photos should be sent as .jpg files. For desktop publishing, I work with Adobe Creative Suite.
Why should I use the services of an Editor to help me with my manuscript? Why not just use spell-check on my computer and have a few friends read it?
Spell-checkers are great inventions – I use them too! But they are very limited in their scope (e.g. they won’t tell you when “their” should have been spelled “there”, or when “form” should have been spelled “from”), and they won’t check many grammatical, design or structural problems. Check out the poem on the Editing page to see what this might mean! While it’s always a good idea to have another pair of eyes look over your work, friends may deliver about the same service as your spell-checker, depending on their language skills and experience. Most people aren’t trained to have a keen eye for catching and correcting mistakes – that’s why so many of them get through in so many of the things we read these days!
Employing the services of an Editor means that you’re serious about presenting yourself in the best possible way. This is vital if you’re a professional, a business person, or a student wanting to get ahead in a competitive world. Clumsy language use and multiple typos in your communications don’t inspire a great deal of confidence in your abilities – even if what you have to offer has nothing to do with language! If you spend time and money on your image – dressing well, interior design for your office/business, top quality marketing materials – don’t fall short by putting out poorly constructed communications. Whether they’re proofreading or copyediting, an Editor will ensure that you look as polished and professional on paper as you do in person!
Alternatively, if you are a student or writer hoping to succeed in the competitive world of academia or publishing, using an Editor to help you refine your work will give you an edge towards success.
What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?
There are three levels of editing: proofreading, copyediting and substantive editing. Each level requires more refined and complex work on your copy. For a detailed description of each, see the Editing page.
What about privacy and copyright issues?
I take privacy and copyright issues seriously – it's part of my business, my legal requirements and my code of ethics. I guarantee to treat everything you send to me in the strictest of confidence. I never sell or use your name or contact details without your permission. All files sent to me will be deleted or destroyed upon your request once a job is completed. In the event that I would like to use your job as an example of my work, I’ll gain your permission first.
I need to make a brochure for my club but I haven’t a clue how to do it or where to begin. Can you help?
Yes! I’ll start by discussing with you your needs, goals, audience, message -- in short, what you want to achieve through your brochure, making suggestions where appropriate. I can help you write copy, if needed, do the design and layout, and deliver the final printed product to you, if required.
Can we meet face-to-face or do I have to do it all via the internet?
I'm happy to meet with you in person at your home or office if you are in the vicinity of Port Townsend, Washington. Most clients prefer the convenience of sending files electronically and communicating from the comfort of their home or office, via phone, video conferencing or email. Let me know what you prefer when placing your order.
I don’t live in Washington, USA. Can I still use your service?
Indeed you can! Increasingly, with the convenience of internet technology, customers are coming from around the globe. I have experience in American, Australian and British English usage and will adapt my work according to your needs. If you live outside of the United States and have been referred to me by another customer or via the internet, I can work just as efficiently with you, as if you were around the corner.
Is there a minimum requirement for jobs?
No job is too small, but there is a minimum charge of $30 on all jobs.
I know someone who’s writing a book. They could probably use some help editing it. Can I give a Gift Certificate as a birthday gift?
A great gift idea – and very unique! I can send out (email or snail-mail) an Editing Gift Certificate for the amount you choose, to either you or your gift recipient. A perfect way to value their talents and efforts.
I’m a student who struggles with writing term papers. Will you write them for me?
Short answer? No! If you’re a student, I'm here to help you increase your language skills and improve your outcomes, not do the work for you. I can assist either through tutoring or by proofreading and copyediting your term papers.
I’ve just written a novel. Can you help me get it published?
I can certainly help you with the prospect of getting published. By having your manuscript professionally edited you increase the chances of getting your work noticed by publishers. I'm not, however, an agency for authors and writers so I won’t be able to link you with publishing houses.
Why should I use you over other similar service providers?
There are three important things to look for when choosing an Editor: training, experience and examples of their work. There is also a component of 'personal fit'. Read through my credentials on my Linked In page – I have over thirty years experience in writing, editing and communications, specializing in the Humanities. If it feels like a good fit, send me an email or give me a call and let's chat about your needs and expectations. If you're still unsure, I'm happy to provide a complimentary edit of a single page of your work – to show you what I do and how it might help improve your writing. Working relationships are an important element of overall success on a job and I take the time to listen and communicate in a timely, clear and friendly manner with my clients. I'm always open to feedback too!
