Rachelle O
Walnut Creek, United States
“Words matter.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
PhD in Comparative Literature
University of California, Los Angeles
2003–2010
MA in Comparative Literature
University of California, Riverside
1999–2002
BA in French and English Literature
University of California, San Diego
1994–1998
Favorite referencing style
My favorite referencing style is MLA because I'm the most familiar with it.
Why I became an editor
I have always loved all things having to do with reading and writing. I studied French and English literature in college, and then I went on to complete a PhD in comparative literature. During my studies, I spent time abroad in France, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Proofreading is the perfect extension to my work as a college instructor of composition and literature. It gives me the opportunity to read and write, all while helping others to improve their own work.
Background and experience
I edited and proofread my own dissertation, as well as those of some of my colleagues. As a college instructor of composition and literature, I teach students how to edit and proofread their own writing. From 2013–2018, I was the coordinator for a grant-funded transfer program for students at West Los Angeles College, in 2017, I was on West Los Angeles College's grant writing team, and from 2007–2011, I was a research assistant in the publications department at the Getty Research Institute.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Good writing is both a skill and an art. Every word counts, and I try to keep this in mind as I read and help people tell their stories. I especially love the challenge of editing and proofreading a piece of writing to make it as clear and concise as possible.
Favorite book:
My favorite book is Edwidge Danticat's The Farming of Bones.
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I like to swim, bake, and spend time with my husband and son.
Editing tips:
When I finish proofreading a document, I put it aside for a few hours or even a full day if I can. Then, I do a final read to make sure I did not miss anything.
