Matthew D

Cape Coral, United States

“Effective communication solves problems.”

Specialist subjects:

American Studies Communication & Media Studies English History Librarianship & Information Management Technology

Editing formats:

Education:

BA in History

University of Delaware

1996–2001

MS in Professional Writing

Towson University

2003–2005

Favorite referencing style

I prefer Harvard referencing given its simplistic style, but I can certainly work with the APA and MLA referencing styles.

Why I became an editor

I started editing when a friend showed me some copy for his client's web page. After reading a few sentences, I told him I couldn't let him post it online without a proper edit, if for no other reason than to preserve his reputation. Shortly after, I started the master's program at Towson University and began working as a professional editor in 2004. As an editor, I love to help shape ideas, clarify meaning, and make the final piece as good as it can be.

Background and experience

I was an editor and assistant managing editor for LexisNexis (later acquired by ProQuest) from 2004–2011 and managing editor from 2011–2019. Our product focused on the library and information services sector. I moved into an editor role centering on technology-related research with Gartner from 2019–2021 before moving into a management role there.

Why I love proofreading and editing

Proofreading is such an important part of the writing process. It weeds out errors that distract the audience from the writer's goal, which is to communicate a specific idea.

Request This Editor

Favorite book:

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway is my favorite book.

Hobbies:

I'm usually outside doing something on or near the water. I love to swim, fish, boat, kayak, or just go to the beach.

Editing tips:

I start by reading the document without correcting any errors to get a sense of the content and author's voice. I want to ensure consistency and accuracy in grammar and punctuation.

More editors

Michelle S
Indiana, United States
Classics & Ancient History, Creative Writing, English, International Development, Linguistics, Theology & Religious Studies
View Profile
Rachael W
Victoria, Canada
Art & Design, Botany, Creative Writing, Dance, Drama & Theatre, Education, English, Fiction, Film Studies, Fine Arts, Music
View Profile
Brad W
Schenectady, United States
Classics & Ancient History, Communication & Media Studies, Creative Writing, English, Fiction, Film Studies, Food Science, Journalism, Language & Literature, Music
View Profile
Dawn B
Staffs, United Kingdom
Business & Management, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Project Management
View Profile
Daniela R
Straseni, the Republic of Moldova
Accounting & Finance, Economics, English
View Profile
Cathy O
Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia
Computer/Information Sciences, English, Graphic Design, Human Rights, Mental Health, Music, Occupational Therapy, Pathology, Photography, Theology & Religious Studies
View Profile
Emilyn L
Shippensburg, United States
Art & Design, Art History, Cultural Studies, East & South Asian Studies, Fine Arts, Food Science, International Development, Language & Literature, Nutrition, TESOL
View Profile
Paul B
United Kingdom
Business & Management, Cultural Studies, Education, English, Leadership, Linguistics, Medieval & Modern Languages, Middle Eastern & African Studies, Nutrition, Politics
View Profile