Susan Liljestrand, Freelance Proofreader

Welcome!

Undergraduate & Graduate Students:

Are you working on a paper, thesis, dissertation, or project for your spirituality or religious studies class?

Are you knowledgeable about your subject matter but could use some help with the grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing, and formatting?

I can help! Contact me.

Spirituality & Religion Professors:

Are you writing a book proposal, a research article, or a submission for a professional journal?

Are you in a time crunch because of your workload and need an extra set of eyes to proofread your work according to the publisher's guidelines?

Let's make your writing shine! Contact me.

Spiritual & Religious Leaders & Authors:

Are you writing a new curriculum, an e-book on your favorite topic, or an article for a newsletter or journal?

Are you a busy pastor or writer juggling a host of expectations and deadlines and could benefit from having one less item to juggle--like proofreading or copyediting?

I can free up some of your time! Contact me.

clear communication

I will communicate with you clearly about the scope and cost of the work, the particular style guide you use or prefer, and any concerns or issues that may arise.

detail-oriented work

My goal is to help you publish or post your best work. I will thoroughly check your writing for any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, capitalization, and formatting. I use the most up-to-date Merriam-Webster dictionary and style guides as references.

Customized Support

Every writer and every project has different goals and needs. Meeting your particular needs for your particular project is my top priority.

What Are the Different Types of Editing?

There are many types of editing, from the broad to the minutiae. Here are three examples:

• Developmental or substantive editors are looking at content, development of characters or ideas, clarity, and flow. They will restructure or rewrite content as needed.

• Copyeditors are the "grammar police." They will look for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation, inconsistencies in tone and style, syntax errors, poor word choices, and improper indexing. Sometimes they are also asked to fact-check. The goal of copyediting is to create cohesion without disrupting the author's voice or the meaning of the text.

• Proofreaders "take up the rear," so to speak. Proofreading is the last step in the editing process. After the content has been edited and syntax fixed, the proofreader will take a final look at spelling, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and formatting, because sometimes error are inadvertently introduced in the editing process. Proofreaders do not make changes to content. They are concerned about how the page looks on its way to being published.

It is helpful to note that sometimes proofreaders are asked to do some light copyediting in addition to proofreading. If that is the case, the proofreader will negotiate that in the contract.

What You Can Expect from Me:

Unsure about what type of editing you need?

"Susan’s work editing a four-session curriculum was just what we needed. Her attention to detail in copy editing, as well how she asked questions around content formatting and design, were so helpful. We appreciated her communication style during the project and her timely work."

--Miatta W., Office of Christian Formation,

Presbyterian Mission Agency, PC(USA)

Testimonial: