I love words. The perfect words placed together properly create magical, meaningful messages. Let's make some magic!

I have always loved to write and I'm a perfectionist. Need I say more?

I probably should say more.

As a former sociology college professor, I wrote and published many research papers. Of course, writing a successful Master's thesis and doctoral dissertation trained me well in research, organization, and writing succinctly and accurately.

I have written two books. My memoir was awarded Best Memoir of 2012 in a region writing competition. Two of my short stories have been finalists in the competitions in which they have been entered--both national.

I've taken a course on editing and I have served as a beta reader for several authors. As a beta reader, I always go well beyond general comments about liking or not liking a story. I point out technical errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation), problems with voice or point of view, inconsistencies (time, place, facts), repetitive or more appropriate words, flow issues, and other issues that bog down a story.

My goal is to make your writing sparkle.

Work Terms

I live on the West Coast of the U.S.A. Keep that in mind when thinking about times! Time zones matter!

Hours of operation: I work on manuscripts during normal weekdays, 9am-4pm (no weekends or holidays). However, I will respond to emails beyond those restrictive times.

Communication: I prefer to communicate via email. Should we have an issue that requires a conversation (which is rare, but could happen), I will ask for your phone number and will call you at a mutually agreed upon time.

Payment: I prefer to be paid on an hourly basis, but will accept jobs on a lump-sum basis (depending on the job). I have a contract that protects both of us regarding payments and satisfaction with our professional relationship that we will both sign prior to any money exchanging hands (or bank accounts!).

Sample Edit: Before you decide to hire me, I will edit 1,000 words of your manuscript FOR FREE so that you can get a feel for my work. If you like what you see, then you can hire me. If you don't, then you just got 1,000 words edited for free!

Editing is meticulous work if done well (and that's the only way I do it). We often have to go over the manuscript multiple times before you are satisfied that it is ready for "prime time." That means I NEVER take on rush jobs. Allow me plenty of lead time to work on your manuscript if you have a deadline. I am not the best editor if you are a procrastinator!

My last caveat is that an edited document is never guaranteed to be error-free or accepted for publication (although those are goals for which I always strive). In the end, the manuscript is yours and you are responsible for its content.