Jane M
United Kingdom
“Good writing is a platform for great ideas.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA in English Literature
University of Warwick
2007–2010
MA in 19th Century Literature and Culture
University of York
2010–2011
Favorite referencing style
MLA will always have a special place in my heart as the referencing style that took me through my university studies.
Why I became an editor
Reading is my chief pleasure in life. When Covid put a stop to my work in childcare, two things happened: I started looking for stimulating work that I could do safely from home, and I started to take my own writing seriously. Proofreading allows to me to earn by doing the thing I love most: reading. It gives me the option to work from home during the pandemic and the flexibility to make time for my own writing. Best of all, proofreading is a practice that empowers me to improve my own work.
Background and experience
My first permanent position was as a Schools Liaison and Access Officer. I wrote briefing notes and papers for use in the administration of the College, copy for the College website, and resources and workshops. My next role was as a researcher at a headhunting firm. In this role, I researched and spoke to potential candidates at length. For the next four years, I worked as a nanny, and from there I went on to study for an Early Years Educator diploma in the evenings.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Proofreading is like finishing a satisfying puzzle. By making the right corrections, I can bring the client's work into clear focus. As well as enjoying the process, I thrive on the opportunity to read about such a wide range of subjects.
Favorite book:
At the moment, it's Where'd you go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple.
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I'm writing, drawing, or pottering around listening to podcasts.
Editing tips:
After reading a document a couple of times to pick up initial corrections, I find it helpful to read sentence by sentence from the end to the beginning.
