Moira M
Alexandria, United States
“Empathy, specificity, and speed.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BA in International Relations/Development
College of William & Mary
1995–1999
Favorite referencing style
I have a soft spot for MLA, but I’m growing pretty fond of Chicago!
Why I became an editor
I’m a meticulous writer and editor who draws great satisfaction from polishing prose to make it as direct and compelling as possible. I worked for over a decade as a senior policy staffer in the United States Congress, and I relish the opportunity to continue learning from the pieces that I am reading and editing.
Background and experience
I’m a grants consultant with a local lobbying and grant firm in Washington, D.C. This allows me the opportunity to re-engage in the policy world, where I worked for over a decade before taking a break for my family in 2013. I recognize the sway that the power of the written word continues to hold over people – even in the multimedia digital age – and I love taking a piece of writing from good to great.
Why I love proofreading and editing
One of the most satisfying things about editing is the opportunity to learn about new and exciting topics while helping the writer communicate their information in as clear and succinct a way as possible. I live for an elegantly constructed piece!
Favorite book:
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle is my favorite book.
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I hang out with my seven-year-old, go to the movies, and make things with my current "craft du jour." I circulate between knitting, needlepoint, Cricut, and coloring.
Editing tips:
As I skim through a document, I check for spelling, wording, and punctuation errors. During my second skim, I check for flow, phrasing, and clarity.
