Stephen S
Ballymoney, United Kingdom
“Read and write; write and read.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
PhD Musicology
Queen's University, Belfast
2012–2017
Favorite referencing style
I love MHRA referencing. After using it for a PhD thesis, I feel like I could almost follow it in my sleep!
Why I became an editor
I studied music history at university, which resulted in reading a lot more about history and culture than doing anything musical. But, seeing as I’ve always loved reading and writing essays, that suited me perfectly!
My journey into proofreading began when a friend and I agreed to help each other by reading through one another’s essays before we submitted them. Reading through her paper, I realized I enjoyed helping other people improve their work even more than I enjoyed writing. I got more experience helping friends and family with their academic work and then decided that proofreading would be a perfect job for me.
Background and experience
After completing my PhD, I joined a touring choir as their musical supervisor and spent two years touring throughout the United States. Since then, I've been in Northern Ireland, working as a private music teacher and church music director.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Proofreading gives me the opportunity to take my love for reading and learning and use it to help other people with their work. I enjoy the challenge of finding little errors that detract from an otherwise excellent piece of work and love the satisfaction that comes from helping someone polish their writing.
Favorite book:
Skyfaring by Mark Vanhoenacker
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I'm usually at my piano, walking along the coast, or sitting in my reading chair enjoying a good book.
Editing tips:
It's never a good idea to start before the coffee has had a chance to kick in.
