Whether you are writing a blog post, a webinar script, or a landing page, the power of your content depends on the strength of your authorial voice as well as the persuasiveness of your words. In order to create content, of any kind, that serves its purpose well by informing or persuading your audience, it’s critical to edit your text to make it clear and correct. Here are 15 Copy Editing Tips in three distinct stages – including self-evaluation and a lot of cut -and-paste – for you to consider. Read more.
Editing
Stop the Slaughter of Language: No More Word Crimes!
Who would’ve thought Al would be the one to offer this important (and hilarious) educational message about increased literacy, proper grammar, and the integrity of language? Enjoy! 🙂
#wordcrimes #editing #grammargeek
Editing: It’s Not Just for Spelling, You Know
Yes, spelling, grammar, and punctuation are some of the things that editors address, but that’s just the beginning. In fact, there are four main types of editing: developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading. Sometimes you might just need a fresh pair of eyes to catch those copy mistakes that your weary and long-worked eyes cannot, while other times you require more careful line edits, global revisions, or developmental guidance. Read more…
But no matter what your editing needs are, from proofreading to developmental editing, contact me and I can help.
As a professional writer and editor, I offer all types of editing services, for nearly any kind of text. Do you need a thorough review of your journal article, including proper formatting (APA, CSE, MLA), reference and in-text citation review and cross-checks, and formatting tailored to meet the requirements of your intended publication? Contact me. Perhaps you need someone to make your newsletter, proposal, or resume shine, or maybe you seek a little guidance and help making those last revisions to your new novel? Contact me.
There’s no text or genre I cant’ help you improve, including:
- dissertations & theses
- website content
- resumes and CVs
- cover letters
- journal articles
- book chapters
- novels
- work or grant proposals
- newspaper or magazine articles/editorials
- technical reports
- newsletters or bulletins
- abstracts
- manuals
- circulars
I love to read and edit, and you need someone to be sure that your text is of a quality that aptly reflects the hard work you’ve already put into it. So, let’s work together! Contact me today for a free consultation and estimate, and get WordWise.
How Poor Punctuation Can Ruin Your Rep
So Many Blog Ideas, So Little Time
Maintaining and developing content for a blog can be tough. It’s natural to run out of ideas, and sometimes we all need a little help – writer’s block can be very frustrating! Whether you are running it yourself or you hire an experienced blog writer to manage your blog marketing, developing new and unique topics is challenging. So, here’s some help:
1. When trying to come up with a topic for your next blog post, one strategy is to think about specific areas of your industry that you might discuss, evaluate, or even demonstrate with images or presentations. You might create a poll and blog the results, share and comment on recent news in your industry, or list some industry resources you’ve found valuable.
2. Your business and customers, too, are key– they are who the blog is for, after all– so don’t be afraid to do a little self-promotion in your blogs. Blogging is a marketing tool, right? So, other ideas are to discuss what sets you apart from the rest, answer some FAQs potential clients might have, or provide some customer testimonials to showcase your history of satisfied clients and proven results. Topics like these that exemplify your expertise can be extremely effective.
3. Finally, don’t be afraid to get a little personal in your blog posts. Not only will it add a touch of personality to aid your brand and image, but it’s a great way to share who you are – and people like to buy things from people they know. For example, you could talk about a book you’re reading, some challenges you’ve faced, or what you love about what you do. A content marketer with creative writing skills can help you make these their best.
Effective blogging as a marketing tool results requires consistent effort over time– just a blog here and there won’t work. It’s about quantity as much as quality, so don’t let a little thing like having no ideas stop you from posting today! In a guest blog for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small business expert Anita Campbell expands offers some of the examples above as part of her list of 36 great blog ideas to help you when you’re stumped. Read more…
Do you have any other ideas that you’d like to share? I’d love to hear them! Please comment below.
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#growth
As I grow my new business, I find I’m increasingly excited by so many fresh ideas and the field of Content Marketing overall. I’ve always had an innate talent for language – and the art of using words to produce the most powerful effect or persuasion – but it’s especially rewarding to be able to apply it more now in my career. I’ve long known I was WordWise, but I’m finding that I’m also increasingly MarketingWise, BrandingWise, and PRWise… and I’m just getting started.
Friday Funny
Sure, this made me laugh, but typos are no joke! 🙂 Find an expert editor to make sure you avoid typos in your content!
What Editors Are NOT
Editors should not rewrite others’ text to make it like their own. Instead, they should strive to improve the text to make it as good as it can be — but it must still be the writers’ piece. James Thurber, in The New York Times Book Review from December 1988, notes:
Editing should be…a counseling rather than a collaborating task. The tendency of the writer-editor to collaborate is natural, but he should say to himself, ‘How can I help this writer to say it better in his own style?’ and avoid ‘How can I show him how I would write it, if it were my piece?’
Mr. Thurber is right on point. Most editors are good writers themselves, and so many find it difficult to resist the urge to “edit” another’s text to the point of making it just like their own writing. However, the best editor will work to retain their client’s own voice and style, while at the same time improving the text to help the writer shine.
Are you near completing your dissertation, thesis, article, or book? Are you too close to the work after all the time you’ve put in, and in need of another pair of experienced eyes? Then you should contact me to find out how my editing services will ensure your work is 100% error-free, and improve the flow and clarity to make it even better!
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Effective Content Editors Must Be Good Writers
When hiring a content editor for your company’s website, it’s most important to find a person who knows how to write — writing well is a skill that cannot be easily taught, and you don’t have time for that if it could be! Besides writing abilities, a good content editor will also have technical skills and knowledge of graphic design, social media, and SEO. Read more…
Why Mistakes in Copy are like Earplugs for Readers
Don’t let editing mistakes get in the way of your voice. Errors speak volumes, undermining the effectiveness of any brand messaging or rhetorical persuasion put forth in your text. Instead, enlist the services of a qualified, expert editor and ensure you are heard!