Manuel G
Portland, United States
“Mistakes can muddle your message. Let me help you fix them before they do.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA in Theater Arts
Bradley University
1993–1997
Favorite referencing style
I have a tempestuous relationship with APA referencing. I love that it's so structured and precise, but it can feel unnecessarily fussy sometimes.
Why I became an editor
I was a proofreader long before I knew what a proofreader was—I was that coworker who was asked to look over emails before they were sent. I was that friend who had an unnerving fondness for semicolons. I like making people look good in writing because there is almost nothing I enjoy more than well-written words, and knowing I helped someone write them is a genuine thrill.
Background and experience
I am a freelance proofreader and editor who works with private clients on a wide range of projects. My clientele comprises artists, bloggers, students, and copywriters. I'm proficient in Chicago and AP styles, and my dictionaries of choice are Merriam-Webster's Unabridged and Oxford English Dictionary.
Why I love proofreading and editing
I have always been fascinated by the way the rules of written English work (or, occasionally, don't) and how they adapt to different regions, cultures, and styles. It's always an adventure. As an added bonus, I get to learn new things from my writers all the time. I love the structure of good writing; I love being a part of making good writing happen. I especially love helping someone say exactly what they meant to say.
Favorite book:
I don't have a favorite book, but I have a favorite author: the late Sir Terry Pratchett. I have read almost all of his books several times each, and they have never not made me laugh out loud.
Hobbies:
I like wandering around my city looking at street art and cats silhouetted in windows. I'm also fond of British panel shows, stand-up comedy, and films with lots of explosions in them.
Editing tips:
My last pass is not complete until I have the computer read the document aloud; my ear will always find at least one more error that my eye missed.
