Stephen S
Ballymoney, UK
“Read and write; write and read.”
Specialist subjects:
Editing formats:
Education:
PhD Musicology
Queen's University, Belfast
2012-2017
Favorite referencing style
I love MHRA referencing. After using it for a PhD thesis, I feel I could almost use it to do referencing in my sleep!
Why I became an editor
I studied music history at university and, with that, I ended up reading a lot more about history and culture than doing anything musical. But, seeing as I have always loved reading and writing essays, that suited me perfectly!
My journey into proofreading began when a friend and I agreed to help each other by reading through each other’s essays before we submitted. Reading through her work, I realised I enjoyed helping other people improve their work even more than I enjoyed writing. I got more experience helping friends and family with their academic work and then realised that proofreading would make a perfect job for me.
Background and experience
After completing my PhD, I joined a touring choir as their musical supervisor and spent two years touring throughout the United States. Since then, I've been back in Northern Ireland, working as a private music teacher and church music director.
My professional proofreading experience started with training at Proofreading Academy and a role at Proofed.
Why I love proofreading and editing
Proofreading gives me the opportunity to take my love for reading and learning and use it to help other people with their work. I enjoy the challenge of finding little errors that detract from an otherwise excellent piece of work and love the satisfaction that comes from helping someone polish their writing.
Favorite book:
Skyfaring by Mark Vanhoenacker
Hobbies:
When I'm not proofreading, I'm usually found at my piano, walking along the coast, or sitting in my reading chair enjoying a good book.
Editing tips:
It's never a good idea to start before the coffee has had a chance to kick in.
