WHAT CAN YOU OFFER OUR ORGANIZATION?
Exceptional talent, exacting training, and determination to do some good.
And for no additional charge: reliability, compassion, support, kindness and humor.
HOW DID YOU ACQUIRE YOUR MAD WORDSMITHING SKILLS?
I love the written word. Since early childhood, I have adored fine literature — poetry, essays, humor, fiction. Determined to write not just well but beautifully, I trained in the ways of our rich language throughout my youth, drilling myself in grammar, developing my vocabulary, and seeking out teachers who would challenge, guide and encourage me. In earning my B.A. in English at the University of Iowa, an institution renowned for promoting literary excellence, I undertook advanced training in writing nonfiction, fiction and poetry. I acquired deadline rigor working alternately as a copy editor and reporter at four daily newspapers — Denver’s dearly departed Rocky Mountain News, The Gazette of Eastern Iowa, the Omaha World-Herald and The Bulletin of Central Oregon — and a digital news organization, Global Press Institute.
WHY DO YOU SERVE THE NONPROFIT MARKET?
My work is rewarding when it aligns with my values. Decades of service in journalism awakened my appreciation for the life-changing achievements of nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations. As an independent copywriter and copy editor, I choose to serve organizations that relieve suffering, protect rights, empower historically oppressed groups, promote peace, and otherwise advance the welfare of beings on our fragile and turbulent planet. If I take on your project, I embrace your mission. Let’s make the world a better place.
CAN YOU EDIT ROUGH COPY?
Can hawks catch fish? I’m a natural-born copy editor — sharp, skillful and dependable. Beyond setting record scores on timed editing tests at several publications, I earned my chops editing trainloads of news copy on deadline. In my 30-plus years in publishing, I have served as slot — the highly trusted last-chance copy editor — at four daily newspapers and an online publication, Global Press Journal. I have edited scores of projects by ESL writers. So: Yes, I can handle whatever you throw at me.
You may find that some submissions to your newsletter, magazine or annual report need significant editing. While honoring the voices of your writers, I make sure every sentence of your copy is letter-perfect. In addition to deftly repairing flaws in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word usage, I untangle twisted syntax, excise superfluous words, and break up run-on sentences. I make every syllable and punctuation mark conform to your appointed stylebook. I tighten and trim copy as needed.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?
I’ll quote you a firm price for each project upfront, taking into account how much time I’ll need for research, writing, editing and formatting. The quote will take the form of a proposed letter of agreement that spells out the scope of the project, the deadline, and my price. We will sign the letter once we agree on the final terms.
As is standard practice for editorial freelancers, I require a 50% deposit up front, with the balance due upon completion of the project. I waive the deposit for repeat clients.
After we’ve worked together for some time, you may ask me to take on a recurring project, such as a weekly email or a monthly e-newsletter. We can discuss a retainer that suits your budget.
My rates are competitive. I intend to be an asset, not a burden. In valuing my work, I consult the rate chart of the Editorial Freelancers Association.
WHAT IF YOUR FIRST DRAFT IS UNSATISFACTORY?
My fee includes unlimited revisions in consultation with your team. I’m not satisfied until you’re delighted.
WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
I’ll quote you a completion time along with my price quote. At this point, I can usually complete a project within two weeks.
If you need me to rush, I’ll factor that into my quote.
WHAT EDITING SYSTEM DO YOU USE?
I typically share Google Docs. Alternatively, we can exchange Word documents via email.
OUR OPERATION HANDLES SENSITIVE INFORMATION. CAN WE RELY ON YOUR DISCRETION?
Absolutely. I establish and uphold clear agreements about secrecy. To ensure the security of your operation, I will readily sign a nondisclosure agreement. Longtime colleagues will vouch for my honor and integrity.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
If you’re based in the U.S., I can accept payment by check or e-check or via PayPal. If you’re based outside the U.S., you must pay via PayPal or bank-to-bank wire transfer. (If you don’t have a PayPal account, you can still pay into a vendor’s PayPal account using a Visa or MasterCard credit card.)