About Me
I am a versatile communications professional with over 11 years of experience as an assistant editor and copy editor, including with a research and publishing firm. I recently completed an 8-month contract with Hilton Worldwide as a Web Content Copywriter. I am always interested in new freelance copyediting assignments. Please use the Contact Me button to send me an email inquiry if you are in need of a copy editor/editor. I will be happy to discuss your project with you and provide information regarding pricing, scheduling, etc.
As a Web Content Copywriter for Hilton Worldwide, parent company of the nine distinct brands which make up the Hilton portfolio, I wrote appealing, customer-oriented website content to inspire prospective customers to book accommodations. All content was written as per the following requirements: incorporation of brand voice, language and themes; use of actionable language/customer calls to action; inclusion of effective search engine optimization (SEO) keywords; achievement of content goals and specifications; adherence to website design parameters; and other requirements. In addition, I grew my expertise about the hospitality industry, especially hotel and resort website content. The content I wrote included descriptions of the property's unique architectural features, location/destination guide, accommodations, restaurants and lounges, spa/golf/casino, fitness and recreational facilities, services and amenities, policies, and other hotel and resort features.
Since June 2011, I have served as the Production Copy Editor for Modern Luxury Dallas magazine and Dallas Brides magazine. In addition, I have edited three books in partnership with Insurance Journal and the Academy of Insurance. The most recent was a book for the American Association of Managing General Agents which described that organization's history.
In addition to the magazines, my copyediting portfolio includes a diverse range of print and online publications, including highly technical reference manuals and books, e-zines/newsletters, white papers and articles, and marketing collateral such as small business websites, brochures, catalogues, press releases and promotional e-mails, and print and online ads.
My background in higher education includes 9 years as an English instructor at several junior colleges. In addition, I have extensive experience advising authors on the development of continuing education courses. I have edited over 70 insurance CE courses and have written quizzes and exams for many of those.
Over the years I have developed other special skills such as managing the entire production/publication process of new publications from initial draft to final submission of manuscripts to the printer; indexing and cross referencing content; proofing web pages for content accuracy, hyperlink functionality, navigation, and visual quality of graphics; and developing company and publication-specific style guides.
I employ a diplomatic and friendly approach to collaborating with writers to help them achieve their communications goals. I am a team player who very much enjoys working with other production staff during all stages of the writing/publishing process.
Style guides with which I have developed expertise include the Chicago Manual of Style, The BlueBook (Harvard legal style), AP Style, and custom or publication-specific style guides (such as Modern Luxury Style). In the past, I have both used and taught students the MLA Style Guide.
The Role of the Copy Editor
For most editing assignments, the copy editor must play several roles simultaneously.
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Collaborator: working with the writer to ensure that his purpose is met, content is accurate, and potential readers’ questions are addressed. To do this, the copy editor must be diplomatic, well-informed, and even persistent.
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Listener: paying attention to “hear” the unique voice of the writer and help him use the voice consistently throughout the piece. She must also ensure the voice does not negatively affect the content or purpose of the writing.
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Researcher: utilizing multiple resources—from Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary to The Chicago Manual of Style to Google—to ensure that content is accurate and correct. Researching includes assessing the consulted sources for credibility and usability, while also making decisions about everything from nonconventional spelling to how to document or reference an unusual source.
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Grammarian: utilizing her experience and in-depth familiarity with language and knowledge of good English (and not necessarily consulting or recalling specific grammar rules!) the copy editor ensures that the writing is linguistically sound and grammatically correct.
Now that you know a little about my copyediting philosophy, I invite you to take a look at my Portfolio where you will find samples of my work.
Professional Memberships
American Copy Editors Society (ACES)
