Some things you’ve done for so very long that they become second nature. For me, that’s copyediting and copywriting (and improving fundraising processes, but that’s another page).

COPYEDITING:
To be honest, copyediting is my favorite thing: I love—absurdly love—improving copy given to me by others. I see what needs to change to make text more readable, tighter, and more powerful.

A million years ago, I trained in copyediting for mega publisher Meredith (before they were Dotdash Meredith). The advice that stuck with me, that I know I’ll never forget, is that copyeditors are advocates for the reader: We’re the people laser focused on shaping that text into copy a reader will understand quickly and smoothly. I review every word, every sentence, with that advice in my head. When I’m done, I take off my copyeditor hat and make sure the average reader will be enlightened, not puzzled—intrigued but clear about what we mean. For me, copyediting is a wholly satisfying experience and brings me joy.

COPYWRITING:
Copywriting has been a large part of my professional responsibilities since entering the workforce (I’m GenX… you do the math). I write personally and have been published several times, which I’m pretty proud of. What to say to donors, investors, board members, community members, customers, skeptics: I’ve got you.

It’s hard to judge who’s good at what, so give me a trial project: We’ll see if we get on, and you’ll see my skills in real time.