Having developed a keen interest in reading at an early age, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in history, from the University of Alabama. (The Jane Austen course inspired an obsession that continues to this day!)
I spent five years as a technical writer and more than a decade as a paralegal; therefore, writing clearly, coherently, and well is an important part of my life. People often ask what being a paralegal has to do with editing. My response is: “Everything!” Both careers require excellent writing and editing skills as well as attention to detail and the ability to conduct research.
My previous work as a paralegal for a non-profit organization also included organizing the revision of a 400-page manual that was distributed to over 32,000 people around the world. This manual was translated into several languages and contained a glossary and index. I also revised text that was posted on the organization’s Web site and incorporated into “how to” documents. I wrote advanced memorandums for committee meetings and the minutes that result from such meetings. One of my more challenging responsibilities was to proofread and edit items that had been submitted to the organization; these items were submitted by people with a wide variety of writing skills and, in some cases, had been translated into English; I was responsible for editing these items in a way that retained the authors' voices and intent, but would still be comprehensible to other readers. I've also worked for an internet company that included some interesting tasks, like writing rules for some pretty unique and creative and complex contests and sweepstakes. Seriously, the marketing team doesn't believe in simple and straight forward.
In addition, I am an avid reader with a wide range of interests, from sci-fi and fantasy to historical and romance. I even like history books, biographies, and books to help someone self-educate (for example, areas such as personal finance).
Writing is a very personal thing, so trusting your work to an editor can also be daunting.
-Monica
I spent five years as a technical writer and more than a decade as a paralegal; therefore, writing clearly, coherently, and well is an important part of my life. People often ask what being a paralegal has to do with editing. My response is: “Everything!” Both careers require excellent writing and editing skills as well as attention to detail and the ability to conduct research.
My previous work as a paralegal for a non-profit organization also included organizing the revision of a 400-page manual that was distributed to over 32,000 people around the world. This manual was translated into several languages and contained a glossary and index. I also revised text that was posted on the organization’s Web site and incorporated into “how to” documents. I wrote advanced memorandums for committee meetings and the minutes that result from such meetings. One of my more challenging responsibilities was to proofread and edit items that had been submitted to the organization; these items were submitted by people with a wide variety of writing skills and, in some cases, had been translated into English; I was responsible for editing these items in a way that retained the authors' voices and intent, but would still be comprehensible to other readers. I've also worked for an internet company that included some interesting tasks, like writing rules for some pretty unique and creative and complex contests and sweepstakes. Seriously, the marketing team doesn't believe in simple and straight forward.
In addition, I am an avid reader with a wide range of interests, from sci-fi and fantasy to historical and romance. I even like history books, biographies, and books to help someone self-educate (for example, areas such as personal finance).
Writing is a very personal thing, so trusting your work to an editor can also be daunting.
-Monica
JMW Bureau, LLC