Kristen M
Roanoke, United States
“"Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets; art deserves that, for it and knowledge can raise man to the Divine." – Ludwig van Beethoven”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA in English Literature
University of Virginia
1996–2000
MA in Art History
Indiana University Bloomington
2002–2004
Favorite referencing style
I'm most familiar with the Chicago style, simply because it's the one I've used the most. I'm also comfortable with APA and MLA.
Why I became an editor
During my studies in English and art history, I was always writing or editing something (So. Many. Papers.) In college, many of my friends were science-y types (biologists, biochemists, and engineers) and would ask me to read and critique papers for their humanities classes. After college, I worked as an editorial assistant at a non-profit educational foundation. In grad school, I was a graduate editorial assistant at an art museum. I like the challenge of editing. It’s a little like a puzzle.
Background and experience
I've worked as an editorial assistant for a non-profit educational foundation and an art museum and as a vice president at a community nonprofit. I've proofread correspondence from CEOs and edited everything from website text to museum didactics, newsletter and annual report articles, and radio ads and video scripts. I helped draft and review new agency policies related to technology and data collection. I also taught English literature to high school students for a little while.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Like I said before, I like the challenge of editing. I also love learning new things, and editing and proofreading give you plenty of opportunity to do that. And it just feels good to help folks and be a small part of something they can be proud of.
Favorite book:
If I have to choose a favorite, I'll cheat and pick a series instead of just one book: The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett.
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, you’ll likely find me knitting, weightlifting, playing board games with friends and family, taking long walks to clear my head, or trying to make a dent in my to-read pile.
Editing tips:
I like to do a quick read or two before I dive into editing or proofreading. After I finish a piece, I put it aside and come back to it with fresh eyes. I also tend to read final pieces out loud.
