What is Editing?

Lots of people don't know what editing is. That's because editing is surrounded by so many misconceptions. You'll find one of the biggest of those misconceptions on the very computer you're looking at now. Almost every computer program has an Edit menu in the upper left-hand corner. You can use that menu to make some changes, and you can go through a document and fix the typos, correct the misspellings, fix the grammar, and italicize a few words. But you won't have an edited document.

I can be your editor when you're most likely to need one but least likely to have one. Whatever your project, I can give you the greatest benefit if we start when it's still an idea. But if you need help with something you've already written, I can review and critique it. I'll diagnose the problems and develop more effective approaches.

Tweaking and smoothing copy — fixing spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage — is a very important part of editing, but it comes later. First, you need someone to work with you on structure, someone who will talk through themes, ideas, approaches to different subjects, the voice and scope, the audience. Someone to challenge you, argue with you, help you see another approach, or, perhaps, just say, "Perfect. Do it." You may be surprised to learn that the better the writer, the greater the need for good editing. I have worked closely with some of the finest editors in the business, and I've honed my editing skills with some of the best writers. I can help your material, too.

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Compelling and persuasive writing is all about moving someone from Point A to Point B, as quickly and with as few detours as possible. A ghostwriter needs to thoroughly understand exactly what the client wants to accomplish with a document.

Sometimes — with book proposals or business memos, for example — the documents are intended to convince someone to take a specific action.

Sometimes, the mission is to convey lots of information as quickly and easily as possible. Newsletters are a good example. If you're looking to publish a newsletter, whether on paper or electronically, I'll help you create a publication that will stand out from the thousands of others that are out there. Each newsletter needs a thoughtful, well-developed concept, attractive appearance, and well-edited copy.

Sometimes, you may want the reader to develop a feeling — amusement, euphoria, anger, sadness, empathy.

And sometimes, the client doesn't know yet what the mission is.

No matter what the document, I take particular pride in producing material that makes you feel comfortable. My work reflects your voice and your message. You'll never see any words or phrases that would simply never be spoken by you.