Ryan B
North Branch, United States
“Clear writing, full understanding, can't lose!”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
Michigan State University
2011–2015
Favorite referencing style
My favorite referencing style is MLA because I am most familiar with it.
Why I became an editor
I studied the social sciences in college, specifically how different disciplines combine to provide solutions and explanations for societal problems. However, I have always had a love of reading and learning new things. The analytical thinking involved in editing fits my personality and abilities, and learning new things while helping people get their point across appeals to me. I became a proofreader because I love reading, analyzing writing, and helping writers get the most out of their work.
Background and experience
My previous job involved editing heavily. I was responsible for editing training classes and other informational materials so that they were appropriate for the intended audience (i.e., new hires, experienced employees, customers). I was also responsible for editing an informational book that was distributed throughout the company on a quarterly basis.
Why I love proofreading and editing
I love the process of optimizing a piece of writing so that it is the best it can be. It’s like a puzzle. If you can get the pieces in the right positions, the image clicks into place. I enjoy reading a variety of academic subjects (history, English, science, social sciences) and fictional writing. The appeal of doing something I enjoy and that helps others is strong.
Favorite book:
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I spend my time watching baseball, playing games, and reading, of course.
Editing tips:
Being aware of the audience is key. I would suggest reading a document through once without making major changes to get an idea of its purpose. Another tip would be to trust your instincts.
