Editing
I was eight years old when I first started proofreading. A fairytale book I got for my confirmation had quite a number of errors, and I circled each one using a pencil. I included “poplar” by mistake, but hey, I was a kid from the Philippines and had no idea what poplar trees are. I remember feeling smug that I noticed errors that the people who made the book didn’t.
It was this book.
So, more than a decade later, I was thrilled when I was asked to proofread some pages of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire Philippines, and I thought, “Huh, I love this, this is something I could really do.”
Since 2012, I’ve been an academic editor, which means that, even though I have a degree in history, I’m now well versed in topics related to engineering, computer science, medicine, and business. I’ve also gotten pretty good at ESL editing, thanks to clients from different countries. They have their own quirks and English expressions that seem to be unique to their country, and they can be challenging to interpret, but it’s always satisfying once I figure them out.
I’ve also been a book editor for the same amount of time. Aside from line and copy editing, for works of fiction, I recommend tone adjustments; fact-check; comment on flow and the use of appropriate terms; and ensure accurate details and consistent characterization. I’ve also recently tried my hand at book indexing and am looking for more opportunities to do this.
I’ve been told that I should live in fear of AI, but what I’ve seen so far is that a lot of people need help making their AI-generated work sound more natural. It’s great. I’ve had to double-check details and terms provided by their AI tool, and I’ve also gotten good at spotting the signs of AI writing. “Utilizing this approach is a crucial and indispensable aspect that underscores the necessity of this paradigm, which encompasses a multitude of differentiated functionalities and principles,” that sort of thing.
The process is simple: You send me your work, and I return it to you with all the tracked changes visible so you can review the edits I made. I also leave notes and comments on every file to explain some of the changes or if there are any issues you need to address.
Whatever the type of editing I do, I want to achieve the same things you want: keep your work error-free and preserve your voice to make your ideas, message, and expertise stand out.
National Book Development Board-registered editor
Previous editing clients include Techie Seniors, The Digerati Life, Cosmopolitan Philippines, Marie Claire Philippines, Oiltrends Asia, and Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation
Read the nice things people have said about my work.
Style guides: Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press Stylebook, APA
Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat
Need someone to edit or proofread your work? Send me an email and let’s talk.