I’m a writer and designer with an enthusiasm for branding, event planning, and the Oxford comma. I went off to college with plans to be a lawyer and somehow ended up in publishing. (Long story involving a glass of Grand Marnier and a t-shirt shop owner.) Currently, I’m based in Cape May, New Jersey specializing in design for hospitality and small businesses.
I’ve been at the helm of multiple brands, including CapeMay.com (a destination travel website), Cape May Magazine (a print lifestyle magazine), Cape May Restaurant Week, and numerous fiction writing events. I also design ads for a variety of businesses in the Cape May area. InDesign is a close personal friend at this point.
I proofread, beta read, and edit
I adore proofreading, beta reading, content editing, and copy editing. Besides writing, this is my favorite kind of work.
My approach. I know firsthand the stomach-twisting anxiety of round-table critique. I believe in giving thoughtful, kind feedback with the intention of helping a writer get their message across in a way that is clear and respects their unique voice. (And if you prefer it no-nonsense, I can simply mark recommended changes.)
Qualifications. I spent several years as a proofreader for a lifestyle magazine, am the editor of a travel blog, and have significant experience editing short and medium-length fiction in various genres. I’m a native speaker and majored in English at the University of Michigan. I focused on Old and Middle English and creative writing.
Content & style. I’d be happy to consider any type of work: technical manuals, how-to guides, blog posts, restaurant menus, novels and short fiction, and website or social media copy. I default to the Chicago Manual but will happily adapt to your needs.
ESL. I regularly work with ESL writers, helping them write natural-sounding English. I tend to ask a lot of questions to fully understand a writer’s intent and accurately guide them. I would also be happy to proofread materials that have been translated into English.
Turnaround time. This will vary by project, but I can usually proofread a clean 30,000-word story within in a few days if my schedule is clear. Beta reading and editing will take longer, especially with fiction. I like to give myself a day or two to reflect on fiction before I offer feedback. (I do a lot of thinking while I wash dishes.) ESL can take 1-2 hours per 1,000 words, depending on the level of correction needed.
Interested in working together? Email jessrunsontea at Gmail.