Let’s get down to business.
I take writing and editing seriously, many writers and editors do (as they should). But just because we take our craft seriously doesn’t mean the process of working with an editor can’t be enjoyable.
Services
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage before publication. If your project has not yet been thoroughly copyedited, it likely isn’t ready for proofreading.
Proofreading includes:
Eliminating typos, spacing issues, double words, missed words, or misspellings/inconsistent spellings.
Eliminating all punctuation errors.
Ensuring consistency in style elements, such as the use of en- and/or em-dashes, serial commas, capitalization of terms, etc.
Correcting noun/verb agreements and/or grossly incorrect grammatical issues.
Correcting typesetting issues (e.g., incorrect use of italics or inconsistent font size/type).
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Making suggestions regarding rewording sentences, optional word choices, reorganization of the material, or correcting source citations/referencing against specified guideline.
Line Editing
Line editing is a deep-dive overview of your project that includes much of copyediting and proofreading; however, the focus is primarily to ensure the writing is engaging and coherent. I will evaluate tone, improve style and readability, correct inconsistencies, enhance clarity, and (for creative writing) improve dialog.
Line editing includes:
Restructuring sentences and paragraphs.
Decreasing repetition.
Addressing word choice, clichés, overused expressions, and idioms/colloquialisms against target audience.
Making technical corrections like grammar and punctuation.
Ensuring author’s voice, brand, and tone is preserved and enhanced.
Copyediting
Copyediting is often confused with proofreading; these services are different from one another. While copyediting will include some or most of the items caught in a final proofread, this work is focused on flow, clarity, tone, and consistency.
Copyediting includes:
Reviewing a text line-by-line, correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and consistency in language usage, capitalization, and formatting.
Ensuring a text adheres to the appropriate style guide or editorial standards for tone, brand, and target audience.
Ensuring that a text is clear and easy to understand (e.g., eliminate wordiness).
Ensuring words and terms are used consistently.
Checking tables, charts, and other additional features are correct and consistent.
Reviewing headings and lists for clarity and consistency.
Making minor changes to sentences to improve readability and flow.
Making minor changes to paragraph/section placement to improve readability and flow.
Making suggestions regarding rewording sentences and optional word choices.
Correcting source citations/referencing against specified guideline (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, et al.)
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Making substantive changes (i.e., extensive rewriting and reorganization of paragraphs, sections, reshaping of the arc or narrative).
Resumes / CVs / Cover Letters
With over 15 years in business and accounting, I know how to sculpt a well-crafted resume and cover letter. I’ve had many successes in getting hired, and I have also been the one who has done the hiring. I know what a good resume looks like, and boy can I spot a bad one from a mile away. Cover letters are crucial—I’ll die on this hill—and as much as everyone hates writing them, it’s what sets you apart. Trust me.
Three Options Available:
Option 1 : Simple
You already have a professional, well-formed, and sharp-looking resume and cover letter. I will do the following:
Through email or phone, collect basic information about your professional background.
Correct grammar and punctuation.
Correct inconsistencies (capitalization, punctuated or not punctuated bullet points, font size, spacing, and formatting).
Ensure keywords are embedded naturally throughout; I will make recommendations if none are provided.
Offer general feedback that comes from years of hiring and interviewing.
Offer general guidance on how to tailor your cover letter and resume towards a specific job or industry.
Price: $30 per page
Option 2 : Complex
You already have a professional and sharp-looking resume and cover letter, but you lack substance, well-formed and detailed experience sections. I will do the following:
Over a 30-minute phone call, ask pointed questions about prior work experience. Discuss future goals and the specific job or industry, and address ways to further tailor the cover letter.
Correct grammar and punctuation.
Correct inconsistencies in formatting, punctuation, font size, and spacing.
Add and ensure that keywords are embedded naturally throughout resume and cover letter.
Re-write or add in sections with information collected from our phone call.
Line edit cover letter.
Price: $50 per page
Option 3 : The Big Job
You’re basically starting from scratch; your resume is lack-luster, and you either have a cover letter you stole from the internet or had AI write one and you’re not fooling anyone. I will do all of the above PLUS:
Format your resume and cover letter onto a very sharp-looking template of your choosing; I will help provide several options that are appropriate to your industry.
With one round of drafting and one round of revising, I will rewrite a cover letter based on information you give me during our 30-minute interview. (This call is separate from your 30-minute resume interview. We will chat on the phone twice in total and communicate via email as well. It’s important I get honest and truthful information from you as well as information about your industry of choice and the types of jobs you are trying to obtain.
Price: $100 per page
Cover letters matter. Don’t believe me?
My Specialties
Creative fiction and non-fiction
Resumes and cover letters
Financial reporting
Investor reports
Business plans
Proposals
Speeches and presentations
Press releases and newsletters
Advertising copy
Essays
Blog posts
Online marketing content (SEO keywords)
Tech and business journals
“Elisabeth took my bland resume and breathed life into it. She was able to help me drill into my past experience and present it in a way that gave me so much confidence to apply for jobs I wouldn’t have otherwise.”
— E is for Edit client KARRIE S., Corporate Professional
