Developmental Editing

Writing About, Editing, and Reading: July 27, 2015 Edition

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KHoashi-Shuttle-9-21-2012-12

For your enjoyment, an aspirational/inspirational image of the space shuttle Endeavour.  Copyright Keisuke Hoashi.

Things I’m Writing About, Editing, and Reading This Week

Here’s what’s on deck and in progress:

Writing about . . . My writing goals. Later today I’ll be applying for an opportunity with a deadline of tomorrow.  I’m also basking in the glow of a “we hope you submit again” poetry rejection from a dream publication. I’ll endeavour (see above photo) to send them more material soon.

Editing. . . Professional essays. A nonprofit leader is being recruited by an executive search firm looking to fill a high-level programmatic/administrative position. I’m helping him refine his three essay responses (total: 800 words) so they better reflect what he can bring to the job. Making experts shine using as few words as possible — that’s what I love to do.

(During my vacation, I helped a family member revise similar essay questions and a résumé for a position at an Ivy League university. He ended up #4 on a list of 8 potential interviewees, selected from a pool of over 200 applicants. Professional editing and coaching can get you closer to your goals.)

Reading. . .  The Confidence Code , a stack of The New Yorker magazines that piled up when I was out of town (I loved this Louise Erdrich story), and so much Entertainment Weekly that my ears are steaming with FOMO (too much good TV these days!).

Executives, subject matter experts, and others in leadership positions: do you have professional or personal statements, executive bios, or other writing that needs critique or editing? Let’s work together to help you cut the fluff, get to the point, and kill your competition. . . in 300 words or less.

Until then,

Happy writing, editing, reading, and endeavouring to you.

– Kristen

Things I’m Writing About, Editing, and Reading This Week: June 8, 2015 Edition

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 Image courtesy of KellyLink.net 

Things I’m Writing About, Editing, and Reading This Week

Can you believe it’s June?

Last week I pushed hard to meet a Monday deadline and didn’t post. I did read a few items of note: Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill (unique, fractured structure) and this anonymous op-ed about higher education and social justice (as in, is there room for real discourse in an era of hyper-sensitivity?).

Here’s what’s on deck and in progress this week:

Writing about . . . Old houses, insects, and breakups (a return to revising a 30-page short story I let breathe for a month. . . now the post-it notes and hand-scribblings look like the rantings of a mad woman)

Editing. . . Professional statements for a friend who’s in the running for a high-level, high-profile position in a city administration (wish him luck!)

Reading. . . Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link (link)  and this Paris Review interview with Elena Ferrante

And your project. I have room in June for a critique, edit, or short-term writing job. Contact me to check on availability.

Until then,

Happy writing, editing, and reading to you.

– Kristen

Things I’m Writing About, Editing, and Reading This Week: May 26, 2015 Edition

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Image courtesy of the author’s website.

Things I’m Writing About, Editing, and Reading This Week

A demonic doily and a whole lot of slapstick for my feature script

Risk management in the health care industry for a client

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (link)

Update, 5/28: Now that I’ve met two-thirds of my May work deadlines, I’m catching up with The New Yorker. I recommend this excellent piece by Atul Gawande, on America’s epidemic of unnecessary medical care. (“Overkill,” May 11 issue).

On the horizon: 

A possible social and website strategy for a repeat client — a physician and health author. And your project, of course. Email me for availability.

Until then,

Happy writing, editing, and reading to you.

— Kristen