Cary P
Burlington, United States
“Proofread before hitting send!”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
AAB in Merchandising
Southern Ohio College
1987–1989
Favorite referencing style
I subscribe to the style guide of the Queen’s English Society. It is much more modern and flexible than most people give it credit for!.
Why I became an editor
After working several years in arts administration, I secured a position as a performing arts calendar editor for a leading website. Flash forward to the day I walked into my local library and saw a poster asking three important questions: “Do you like to read? ...drink tea? ...cats?” Upon answering a resounding “Yes!” to all three questions, I learned that a career in copy editing awaited me. And here we are!.
Background and experience
I have created and edited arts-related content (venue descriptions, artist bios, and event listings) in both employed and voluntary settings. I have also edited and proofread content for the health care industry.
Why I love proofreading and editing
I enjoy the mechanics of proofreading and copy editing (spelling, grammar, punctuation, styling, and formatting). I have a strong knowledge of the creative and performing arts, as well as of British culture, geography, and history. I am fluent in British and American (and some Australian) English, and have a basic familiarity with Welsh.
Favorite book:
My favorite book is probably Trainspotting written by Irvine Welsh. I also enjoy anything by Dorothy Parker, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, and Clive Barker.
Hobbies:
When I’m not proofreading, I’m often in front of the telly shouting at soap characters (who never listen to me). And when there’s not a pandemic, I can be found at the cinema.
Editing tips:
After skimming a document for content and style, I hit the pilcrow button to review formatting characters and run my customised MS Word editor. Now I’m ready to proofread, comment, and edit.
