Laura R
Waitakere, New Zealand
“The key to good communication is almost always punctuation.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
Favorite referencing style
MLA is the referencing system I used during my time at university. I also have a fondness for APA because I find it to be the easiest style to use.
Why I became an editor
I would spot inconsistencies in books as a child. It was just something I was born to do. I was the friend who checked everyone’s homework. I discovered editing when my best friend asked me to help her edit her marriage vows, and I have loved it ever since. Essays, websites, blogs, books; I am obsessed with communication of all forms, and I get an immense sense of pride from helping other people to articulate themselves.
Background and experience
I proofread for The Lovepost, an alternative, socially responsible "slow media" platform that is dedicated to tackling social and environmental issues through a solution-focused lens. I also edited Philip A Sutcliffe's first novel, Amalfi, and I regularly copyedited for a monthly newsletter at a local retirement village.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Seeing a well-written piece of writing is unimaginably satisfying to me. I especially enjoy subjects such as English, classical studies, social and environmental issues, mental health awareness, history, and the arts. I am proficient at referencing, especially in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard.
Favorite book:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Emily Brontë
Hobbies:
I have two children under five years old, so I basically have no life.
Editing tips:
I always do two passes. The first is to check for technical issues in grammar and punctuation, and the second is to check the structure at a sentence level.
