What I do
EDITING
WRITING
Whether it's a news story, press release, feature article or something else, I can write it for you.
The writer's first duty is to inform clearly and accurately. A writer ought to entertain the reader to encourage them to read through to the end, but accuracy must never be sacrificed on the altar of affording amusement.
The old tabloid mantra of "Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story," is not one I share. That way libel, "fake news" and madness lies.
I check facts, style, spellings, grammar and use of British or American English; I do re-writes; I write or edit headlines and photo captions.
Through my experience as a magazine and newspaper writer I’ve come to appreciate careful editing, and know how a clever tweak here and there can improve a piece of prose.
I understand how frustrating it can be when carefully conveyed information is made inaccurate by an editor who thinks they know best, when actually they don’t, and they've been too lazy or arrogant to check the facts. I keep my ego out of the editing process.
Sometimes a piece will need a complete re-write, but even then, I understand the need to retain the writer's "voice", to ensure it remains their message and, in the case of companies and other organisations, in keeping with their brand.