About me
Projects in 2012
- Copyedited six articles for the Journal of Social Work Education, to be published by the Council on Social Work Education
- Copyedited thirty-one articles and one book for the Society for Human Resource Management
- Fact-checked 277 questions for a board game for the company North Star Games
Projects in 2011
- Copyedited six books and seventeen articles and reports for the Society for Human Resource Management (titles include Transformational Diversity, Business-Focused HR, and The Power of Stay Interviews for Engagement and Retention)
- Copyedited seventy-four blog articles for a public relations firm
- Copyedited one chapter in Education for a Digital World 2.0: Innovations in Education (2nd edition), published by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and Open School BC
- Fact-checked and copyedited three chapters in Starting Out!, a directory of social services, to be published by McGraw-Hill (Symmetry, an editorial, design, and production firm, hired several editors for the project)
Qualifications
- Nine years of editing experience
- Certificate in editing from the University of California, Berkeley, University Extension
- Instruction in proofreading from the Editorial Freelancers Association and Media Alliance
- Experience as an academic librarian with advanced research skills
- Proficiency using Microsoft Word's Track Changes and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Competency using AP, APA, Chicago, MLA, Yahoo!, and house style guides
Background
My path to becoming a copyeditor and proofreader has been a nontraditional one, though several indicators along the way—such as my expanding collection of grammar and style books—have pointed to this destination.
I began my career in libraries, first in technical service positions at two university libraries and then as a reference librarian at a liberal arts college. In addition to offering research assistance and teaching library instruction classes, I managed the library collection in the disciplines of criminal justice, international relations, political science, social work, and sociology. Moreover, I created and revised library handouts, including those summarizing MLA and APA format.
Moving away from academia, I next applied my library and research skills at a nonprofit helpline, where I managed an online database of health and human service information for use by staff, the general public, and service providers. Editing and indexing database entries were daily tasks. I also proofed reports and PowerPoint presentations for coworkers, created training and marketing materials, and wrote a 200-page technical and style manual for my division.
After seven years at the helpline, I began exploring the field of freelance copyediting. I completed the yearlong editing certificate program at UC Berkeley Extension and took additional classes in proofreading. My first professional copyediting position was as a contractor at a public relations firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Influenced by my time as a librarian and at the helpline, I continue to have a special interest in topics related to criminal justice, government/political science, history, human rights, international affairs, public policy, social work, and sociology.
Attached is my full resume, and I will gladly provide references.