Have you performed a self-edit on your document? Have you documented your style preferences? Grab my self-editing checklist and style sheet template to jump-start your revisions process. Spending time on a thorough self-edit helps you improve your skills as a writer—and it can help lower your quotes from professional editors.

Working with an editor doesn’t have to scary or stressful. Editors and writers are actually on the same team. We both want to share your ideas with readers as clearly as possible. Read this article to learn more about how I partner with my clients.

Editing is an investment, so finding the right editor for your project is important. Use my interview questions to make sure your project ends up with the right editor for you.

My work with small businesses over the years has provided experience in multiple industries, from food service to construction and medical services to maintenance. I’m well versed in the business world. And as a graduate of three editing training programs, I’m familiar with the major style guides used in many industries. I know the differences between APA, AP, CMOS, and MLA so you don’t have to. I know which style is appropriate for different fields. I spend my time learning, reviewing, and thinking about grammar, spelling, and formatting because that’s what I enjoy.

Partnering with me makes it easier for you to keep focusing on what you enjoy doing. After an initial conversation about your document, if you don’t have a preferred style guide, I’ll figure out which one is best for your document. Once I’ve completed my first review of your document, I’ll get in touch with you if there are any burning questions we need to discuss. I’ll review your document multiple times, looking for potential problems or trouble spots that might trip up your audience. And the whole time while I’m working on that, you can stay focused on the next thing on your to-do list.

When I’ve completed my review, I’ll send an annotated file back to you, showing all the recommended revisions. You can go through and make the final decision on which edits to keep and which to ignore. After all, this is the copy for your business, so you get the final say. I also offer virtual meetings so we can discuss any questions you have about the recommended edits in your document. This is a great way to help strengthen your skills as a writer because it allows you to see any recurring errors and ask about them. So, when we partner together to work on your content, not only are you saving time, but you’re also learning how to improve your writing skills without the hassle of attending workshops or seminars.