Editing for Impact
As your editor, I focus on your reader’s needs
and ensure you have the impact you want.
Empowering with
Plain Language
As your plain language specialist, I ensure your readers can quickly find the information they need, understand it on first reading,
and use it immediately.
Obtaining Grant Funding
As your grant writer or editor, I dig deep to show
how incredible you really are, and how you align
with a funder’s priorities.
“Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity.”
– Yehuda Berg
Editing for Impact
Each stage of editing refines your material to ensure you connect with your audience effectively.
We’ll start with a 15-minute chat about your project and discuss which services you need. Once I understand the scope, length, complexity, and timeline, I’ll provide a written estimate.
Below is a summary of what I do in each phase of editing.
Structural and Substantive Editing
- review the document to evaluate its structure and organization
- create an easy-to-use outline based on your reader’s needs
- identify and remove unnecessary material
- flag where there are gaps in support for an argument, or missing information
- organize the revised content
- fact-check for accuracy
- add headings and navigation aids
- add auxiliary textual material, such as sidebars
- recast material as quotes, graphs, or tables
- identify where images or videos could aid understanding or add interest
- review for legal considerations, such as plagiarism, libel, privacy, and permissions
Stylistic Editing
- ensure the language is clear, concise, and consistent, while maintaining your unique voice and tone
- eliminate jargon
- simplify overwriting
- replace general statements with specific information
- create smooth transitions
- ensure the reading level is appropriate
Copy Editing
- go over the text carefully to correct errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, word usage, etc.
- flag missing elements, such as captions, citations, links, and appendices
- clean up anything mechanical that would distract from your argument or diminish your authority
- review tables, cross-references, and headings for accuracy and consistency
- create a style sheet to record all editorial decisions, or add to an existing style sheet as needed
Proofreading
- review material that is in its final format and correct any remaining typos, misspellings, and other errors
- flag formatting problems
Image Research and Visual Editing
- identify where images could aid understanding or add interest
- establish an image budget
- find appropriate images using archives, image databases, and other sources
- create a visual editing proposal to explain recommendations
- obtain approved images, securing permissions and coordinating license agreements as required
Other Services
I work with a network of professionals that can provide other services, such as:
- graphic design
- desktop publishing
- indexing
- production coordination
- reference editing
- citation checking
- website design and development
Types of Material I’ve Edited
- abstracts, articles, blogs, books, case studies, corporate information packages, fundraising appeals, journal articles, policies, reports, slide decks, user manuals
Empowering with Plain Language
A plain language approach delivers results, including:
- improved reach, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement
- fewer misunderstandings, errors, and accidents
- increased efficiency, sales, and profitability
Let’s start with a 15-minute chat about your goals. Once I fully understand your needs, I’ll provide a written estimate.
Below is a summary of what I do in each phase of plain language development.
Project Definition
- understand your purpose
- identify the end-user of the material
- learn the specific impacts you want to have
- confirm what success would look like
Research
- create a research plan that includes reading, observation, interviews, and usability testing of any current material
- analyze the end-user’s goals, needs, aspirations, and current barriers
- discover the key benefits the user wants
- develop a vocabulary list specific to the end-user
- identify factors that may influence attitudes and beliefs
- understand the context in which the material will be used
Project Refinement
- create a detailed avatar (or persona) that represents the user of the material
- decide on the right message, medium, tone, reading level, and document length for this avatar
Plain Language Writing & Design
- organize material by relationships that are important to the user
- select or create graphics that communicate more quickly than words
- start each section with the most important point
- use common words (for that user) and immediately explain any uncommon words
- use short sentences and paragraphs
- remove non-essential words and phrases
- provide headings and navigational aids
- mock up a plain design
Graphic Design
- work with a graphic designer to implement the plain design ideas
Usability
- test the material and score it against the criteria for success
- revise and retest as needed to make sure you get the results you want
Types of Material I’ve Created in Plain Language
- educational video, white paper summary, issue-based campaign primer, policies, posters, product knowledge charts, user manual, volunteer training packages
Obtaining Grant Funding
Let me help you tell your story to funders. Since 2016, I have written or edited 17 grants and have helped clients obtain over $1.73 million in grant funding. Of the 17 applications, 71% were funded, securing 63% of the total money sought.
We’ll start with a 15-minute chat about the grant you want to apply for. Once I have enough information, I’ll provide a written estimate.
If you meet certain criteria, I offer “shared-risk pricing” — I charge only 50% upfront, and if you don’t get the grant, I won’t invoice the rest. Let’s talk!
Below is a summary of what I’ll do as your grant writer or editor.
Grant Writing
- gain a deep appreciation for your work and its outcomes
- study the funder’s priorities, guidelines, and past giving
- focus on how your work advances the funder’s goals
- present your most powerful and persuasive arguments
- ensure your most important data is prominent
- answer all the application questions to score as highly as possible
- identify and address anything that could be a “red flag” to funders
Grant Editing
- put your draft through the same rigorous process described above
- ensure word and character limits are used effectively
- edit for logic, flow, clarity, effectiveness, and consistency
- sharpen your language, and make sure it mirrors the funder’s language
Choosing grant editing has 2 benefits:
- You pay for less of my time, as your staff are the primary writers.
- This process can help your staff become better grant writers through working with me.
Types of Grants I've Written
- foundation (corporate and private), government (federal, provincial, and regional)
- highest grant awarded: $500,000
- average grant awarded: approximately $160,000
See Samples Of My Work
My Clients Include
