There are a variety of different types of editing, some of which overlap. I do line editing, language editing, substantive editing, developmental editing, and copy editing. I make sure the organizational structure of the text works, the sentences flow, and the grammar is impeccable.

I look at the document as a whole and consider organization, style, register, and tone. When appropriate, I may discuss goals and audience with the writer; if the text is an academic book or article, this will be obvious from the start. Sometimes, I coach the author along. I may reorganize parts of the text, rewrite sections, and change words to ensure appropriate tone or register. I may also flag sections for the author to rewrite, or request more detail or precision. I go over the flow of every sentence and paragraph. I make sure there are appropriate transitions between paragraphs and sections as well as between sentences. I provide alternative phrasing to help the author avoid language that would be perceived as sexist or as disrespectful to the subject or to a writer with an opposing view. I remove redundancies, fix grammatical and syntactical errors, change passive constructions to active ones, eliminate unnecessary details and add necessary ones. When in doubt, I flag questions for the author. When the meaning of a sentence is unclear, I sometimes offer two, three, or more possible rewrites. Through all of this, I work hard to maintain the author’s voice.

I generally work in multiple passes. The first pass is at the macro-level and focuses more on developmental issues of organization and flow for the work as a whole. If reorganization is warranted, I do it at this stage. The second pass hones in on each sentence. I always try to wait a few days before doing the final pass, as it requires me to cast a fresh glance over the manuscript, and by that point I generally need to distance myself from the text in order to see it this way. The final pass checks for anything I may have missed. The author should also do a final proofreading pass, as some typos always slip through.

I work with both native speakers of English and non-native speakers. Native speakers need editors, too! Even professional writers benefit from collaboration with a professional editor. When working with a non-native speaker, I may communicate in either English or the language of the writer; I am a near-native speaker of Russian, I have a decent command of Hebrew and French, and I can also understand writing in a few other languages. If the text is a translation, I may request a copy of the original and use it to help me ensure that your text conveys your meaning fully.

Do you have questions about how I can work with you, or are you ready to start? Please get in touch: