Writing tip:

Although there are some universal rules, many decisions a writer must make are strictly dependent on style. For instance, some style guides prefer a serial comma before a conjunction (e.g., apples, oranges, and lemons), while others do not. In these cases, consistency is the key.

Editing Services

While writing is a creative process, editing is more of an analytical activity. Although most writers perform some degree of self-editing, they are often more concerned with capturing the thought, telling the story, or explaining the theory. A good editorial eye must be developed. As an experienced and certified editor, I can help refine your work into a polished, consistent, and professional document.

Medical and Technical Editing

Technical editing requires not only a high degree of editorial skill but also a deep appreciation of the subject. The editor must be able to understand the jargon, articulate the theories, and analyze the data of experts in his or her selected industry. Although the material may be highly technical, the finished document must be logical, interesting, and easily understood by the intended reader.

Biotechnology and Research

Biotechnology incorporates multiple scientific disciplines, including biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and organic chemistry. Over the last thirty years, commercialization of biological research has become the driving force in moving scientific innovation from academia to the corporate world. Genetic analysis, drug discovery, and recombinant DNA are now multi-billion dollar businesses.

Medical and Pharmaceutical

Although many advances have been made in the field of medicine, health care costs remain one of the largest segments of the economy and is now approaching eighteen percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. As the population continues to age and emergent diseases become more of a threat, the need to communicate advances in drug options and treatments becomes critical.

Computer and Information Technology

The ubiquitous computer is a powerful tool, but its emergence has resulted in not one but two "digital divides." One such divide occurred between the tool makers (programmers and developers) and the tool users. The other occurred between the tool users and nonusers. If digital technology is to fulfill its promise, there must be better communication within and between these groups.

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Marketing and Advertising

Marketing is much more than advertising. The marketing mix is often referred to as the "four Ps" of product, pricing, placement, and promotion. Although the last of these, which includes advertising, has become dominant in the public perception of marketing, all of these activities are required to deliver a successful product or service. Tying these activities together requires effective communication.

Print Advertisements

Although broadcast media have their place, print advertising remains a cost-effective means to target a particular market segment and tailor the message to that audience. An effective print ad addresses the needs and wants of the potential customer. Whether it's delivered via magazine, newspaper, or direct mail, the ad must capture the reader's attention and persuade him or her to take action.

Web and E-Mail Content

Web content may serve to both promote and support products and services. As an promotional medium, the Internet combines elements of print, broadcast, and directory advertising. When combined with e-commerce applications, Web and e-mail ads can generate immediate responses. Effective delivery requires both a familiarity with technology and an awareness of online etiquette.

Product Literature

Accurate information is key to both selling and supporting a product. Sales pieces, such as fliers and brochures, describe the product's features and benefits in an attempt to persuade a prospective customer. This requires alignment with the customers needs and positioning against competing products. Support materials provided after the sale will help to ensure customer satisfaction.

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General Editing Services

Although there are many examples of specific editing needs, each scenario is different. One may require only a superficial glance of the editor's eye; another may entail rewriting large blocks of copy. Regardless of the mandate, all editorial work requires the language skills and attention to detail that only an experienced editor can provide. Editing can make bad writing good and good writing better.

Proofreading and Review

Even skilled writers can benefit from an independent review of their work. Although spell-checking applications have helped to reduce typographical errors, they have done little to correct many other common problems. Proofreading may also refer to the examination of a document after layout. In this case, the reviewer may be looking for errors in design and typography as well as content.

Style and Consistency Checking

Copy editing usually addresses not only mechanical errors but also style, grammar, usage, and syntactical errors. The editor may rewrite sentences or rearrange paragraphs for clarity. This type of editing often is used to ensure that usage, spelling, and punctuation are consistent and in conformance with a particular style guide. The bulk of editorial work falls into this category.

Substantive Editing and Rewriting

Editing is not merely about correcting errors. It is about maximizing the reader experience. Sometimes the writer has much to say but may not have the necessary skills to say it clearly. In these cases, an editor may be tasked with rewriting the material to improve its clarity, structure, and logical flow. Although the essence of the content is retained, the revised document is more accurate and easier to read.

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