Malgorzata M
England, United Kingdom
“All writing has an aim; proofreading ensures it is on target.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA in Sociology
Hunter College
1998–2002
MA in Peace, Conflict and Development Studies
Universitat Jaume I
2006–2008
Favorite referencing style
I would have to say APA is my favourite referencing style simply because I have worked with it the most. However, I am happy to work in any style, as most have very clear guidelines.
Why I became an editor
My decision to become an editor has been shaped by my love for languages and the experiences it has afforded me. After studying sociology in New York, I returned to Poland and rediscovered the language and culture I left behind as a child. Whilst there, I taught English and then travelled to Mexico and Spain to pursue that career path and perfect my Spanish. Thanks to teaching at institutions such as the British Council, I gained invaluable experience in shaping the written work of my students.
Background and experience
For over a decade, I taught English as a foreign language in Poland, Mexico and Spain.
During my studies in Spain, I wrote numerous essays (in English and Spanish), followed by a thesis that, inevitably, required scrutiny and attention to detail.
Whilst in Spain, I worked for a think tank – the Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action – writing analyses of international conflicts and peacebuilding efforts. I also co-authored a book about Africa’s Sahel region, which offered me an in-depth view of the book writing process.
Why I love proofreading and editing
The process of proofreading ensures that the writer’s message is clear, the grammar is accurate and the writing is well-structured. The writer gains a finished product that is of the highest quality, and I have the advantage of learning something new whilst doing what I love: reading. It’s a win-win situation.
Favorite book:
One of my favourite books is “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas.
Hobbies:
I love the outdoors. I enjoy going out for walks in the woods or on the beach. I have two young boys who love bird-watching and identifying plants with me. To keep fit, I do quite a bit of yoga.
Editing tips:
Before I start proofreading, I like to have a quick read of the text to familiarise myself with the subject and voice. This also gives me a chance to see the structure and spot any recurring errors.