Write. Edit. Learn. Repeat.
This morning, I got a fresh proofread back from my friend and talented editor Ranee Boyd Tomlin, and folks, I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have someone look at my work with the kind of attention to detail that Ranee gave to The Slaves Have Names. . . . Ranee found things I didn’t even know to look for—inconsistencies in spelling that occur when writing about enslaved people because their names are often spelled differently in different documents, misused words, numerals used where digits should be, etc. I’m so grateful for her work. My book is better for it. ~ Andi Cumbo-Floyd, "The Gift of Great Editors"
This morning, I got a fresh proofread back from my friend and talented editor Ranee Boyd Tomlin, and folks, I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have someone look at my work with the kind of attention to detail that Ranee gave to The Slaves Have Names. . . . Ranee found things I didn’t even know to look for—inconsistencies in spelling that occur when writing about enslaved people because their names are often spelled differently in different documents, misused words, numerals used where digits should be, etc. I’m so grateful for her work. My book is better for it. ~ Andi Cumbo-Floyd, "The Gift of Great Editors"
As long as I can remember, I’ve been reading, creating, or listening to stories.
My PhD is in higher education and adult learning, with an emphasis on human communication and development as well as career counseling. It was always about the storytelling.
Everyone's story has a why. I'm a narrative, research, and word fanatic, and I want to share those riches with others.
I planned a college major in journalism; but in the post-Watergate era, everyone wanted to be an investigative reporter, and the journalism labor market was saturated. I pivoted and chose a first career in court reporting, where I spent thousands of hours capturing stories exactly as they were told—and meticulously researching and proofreading every word.
Now a devoted film, radio, and podcast fan who also reads voraciously, I hear cadence, flow, and rhythm in each phrase on the page.
Since my court reporting days, I've continued to hone my storytelling, editing, research, writing, and proofreading skills.
I anchored my graduate education in the study of narrative, focused on story in interviewing, research, teaching, and counseling. Listening, advising, collaboration, writing, and editing became my specialties.
In fact, I've been editing and writing professionally for decades.
As an employee, I wrote and edited curricula; policy documents; training and career materials, including résumés; case studies; detailed informational emails; and articles for professional associations, campus publications, higher education services, and human resources and career development offices.
As a freelance writer, I published profiles and essays during the days of all-print publications and self-addressed stamped envelopes.
Within the past few years, my career has again turned toward freelancing. After comprehensive training—which includes a specialized certificate in copyediting from UC San Diego Extension—I started a freelance copyediting, research, and proofreading business. More recently, I added writing to my services.
As a business owner, I've copyedited, researched, proofread, and fact-checked fiction and nonfiction books, online content, and career materials.
I've also written and researched creative nonfiction, blog posts, and informational B2B materials, with hands-on learning experiences through case-study coaching from Casey Hibbard, The Success Story Specialist, and as part of Gordon Graham, That White Paper Guy's white-paper writing team.
And I keep plugging away with my lifelong project of becoming an expert in writing one genre instead of endlessly dabbling in everything.
In structured and informal learning—and in applied practice—I constantly expand the know-how I offer clients.
~Research. Editing. Proofreading.
~Story. Writing. Multiple genres.
~Training. Development. Education.
This is the expertise I bring to narratives of nonfiction, fiction, and informational content. My LinkedIn profile reveals even more details of my professional background.
Together, let's focus on the details that make a story powerful.
As a business owner, I've copyedited, researched, proofread, and fact-checked fiction and nonfiction books, online content, and career materials.
I've also written and researched creative nonfiction, blog posts, and informational B2B materials, with hands-on learning experiences through case-study coaching from Casey Hibbard, The Success Story Specialist, and as part of Gordon Graham, That White Paper Guy's white-paper writing team.
And I keep plugging away with my lifelong project of becoming an expert in writing one genre instead of endlessly dabbling in everything.
In structured and informal learning—and in applied practice—I constantly expand the know-how I offer clients.
~Research. Editing. Proofreading.
~Story. Writing. Multiple genres.
~Training. Development. Education.
This is the expertise I bring to narratives of nonfiction, fiction, and informational content. My LinkedIn profile reveals even more details of my professional background.
Together, let's focus on the details that make a story powerful.