Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What books do you use for editing?
I have a complete listing on this page.

Question: I have a degree in journalism, and need to work out of my home. Will you hire me to do some of your editing?
As an Independent Contractor, I don't employ others. I only hire other Independent Contractors. I can help you find resources if you want to become an Independent Contractor. If you ever become an Independent Contractor, contact me. We could discuss working together.

Question: What's an Independent Contractor?
Here's a link to a site that explains how an Independent Contractor differs from an employee.

Question: I'm a young mother of two who would like to start a secretarial service at home. I already have my DBA name and a Tax ID number. Where do I go from here? PLEASE HELP.
Start with my How to Start a Home-based Business. It links to my online booklet that gives the basics, plus lots of resources, local and online.

Question: Would you look at some pages on my site and give me a quote for re-working the text?
Sure. Before I go do so, please consider this: how much value do you put on this section? What would happen to sales if you didn't even have the section? If you look at it from this angle, you'll know better how to budget for any kind of revision. You may decide it's urgent, that it can wait a while, or that it's not really necessary in the scheme of things. I will work with you and we can take the preliminary steps as soon as you're ready.

Question: Why would you turn down work?

• Uncontrolled Growth Syndrome. This syndrome can destroy a one-person business. Although I can't help everyone, I will refer to other professionals, and I know some who are effective, trustworthy, and have good customer service skills.
• Time constraints. Prospective or current clients must sometimes wait until I can schedule them. If they're facing time constraints, I provide them with referrals to other skilled, trusted professionals.
• Sometimes I'm not equipped to edit certain content because it isn't part of my every day language and/or culture. If it's highly specialized material, I can usually find a specialist who may be able to help.
• Value differences. I enjoy working with people who share my values and ideals . . . people with similar goals. For example, I cannot take on work for a company whose claims I find hard to believe. When I see what I feel are exaggerated claims on a web site, I move on.
• Site owner's confusion. Some online businesses are mired in confusion. If business owners lack real passion for their businesses, it would be unethical of me to take their money. Refusing to work on such sites gives me the time I need to work with sites whose owners have a clear vision and know their target well.
• Need for different expertise. If they need site renovation, and want to be involved with a large amount of scripting, animation, audio, etc., it's often better that they go to a one-stop Web developer who can coordinate everything.

Question: Are you a grammar expert?
The word "expert" makes me nervous. Pedestals can be very unstable. I know where to find most answers to grammar and style problems and I love, and have a natural affinity for, language. I'm skilled at editing everyday American English from a number of perspectives because I've had experience in business, music, drama, art, writing, photography, and education.

I've worked in banking, construction, insurance, an office for a very large (3,000+members) church, business travel, shipping, and fleet management. And I'm active in human and social services in my community as a volunteer.

My strongest gifts lie in my ability to spot creativity, talent, and potential in others...in analyzing the works, writing, and ideas of others...and in troubleshooting the problems and challenges other people and businesses face.

I said all that to say this: I may not have a degree in English, but I have the ear and the experience to tell when language sounds "right" and when it doesn't. I can spot a dangling participle as well as the next person. But my real skill is in editing business documents, manuscripts, academic papers and online text. I look at text as the writer's audience would, then try to make sure it speaks to the readers in the clearest possible way.

Top of Page

Didn't you write an article about how to start a business like yours?
Absolutely. It's more like a booklet. You can find it by clicking here

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