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 (let AI try that!). 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. You can have AI write your copy (more below on the pitfalls), but I haven’t seen seen it copyedit effectively or accurately. It doesn’t have judgment; it has, “if x, then y.” AI doesn’t know when you should break a rule for effect… it only knows the rule.

COPYWRITING:
Copywriting has been a large part of my professional responsibilities since entering the workforce. I enjoy it immensely, and people tell me I’m good at it. I’ve been doing fundraising-related writing for over two decades: I truly enjoy helping funding partners feel a deeper connection to the work they’re supporting. What to say to donors, investors, board members, staff, community members, customers, skeptics? I’ve got you. “But AI…,” says your boss. Has AI met the three millionaires on your board? Does AI know what your top donor likes? AI isn’t creating written documents: It’s regurgitating what’s learned and connected. Impressive, to be sure, but you’re not being paid for one-size-fits-all solutions, and if you pay me, you won’t get them.

I also write personally and have been published two out of the ten times I’ve sought publication, which I’m pretty proud of.

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.