My specialties as an editor are in the areas of assignment editing (also known as developmental editing) and project editing.

What is assignment editing?
Assignment editors are story coaches. While they may clean up a writer�s punctuation, correct grammar, and catch spelling errors, their focus is on working with the writer to tell the best possible story.

I�ve worked with dozens of writers on assignments for consumer, trade and association magazines. Using tools developed by other fine editors, as well as some of my own, I�ve refined a process for working with writers that clarifies assignments, catches misperceptions (on either side of the desk) at the pre-writing stage, and helps marry the expectations of the assignment with the information that the writer has discovered during the reporting process.

If your publication has reporters who typically need multiple re-writes for each assignment, click here for a tip sheet on the story coaching process and how it can make your editorial department more efficient�as well as lower everyone�s blood pressure at deadline time!

What is project editing?
Having worked as a managing editor at two magazines, and having been acting managing editor for several more, I often use my skill as a project editor to get my publication out on time and displaying a quality that surprises many, including often myself.

Project editors are project managers. They orchestrate the contributions of writers, copy editors, designers and sales personnel, and ensure the publication makes its journey from cool idea to printed copy or online presence successfully. Having done this work for everything from quarterly to biweekly publications, I can size up a production timeline, quickly assign the editorial to qualified writers, and deliver copy on time to the production department, with a minimum of fuss and stress for all.

Click the links below for two case studies that detail how I used my project editing skill to benefit a client�s or employer�s publication.

Producing an industry fact book

Overseeing an association magazine launch