Who are Editorly Editors?

James Lewis

I'm passionate about writing and editing, and it has been my job for over 15 years now. I hold a Batchelor of Arts in English literature from American University in Washington, DC. I have overseen communications for a leading information science graduate school in the US throughout my working life and for school textbook publishers. I have also gotten hands-on experience through teaching writing to undergraduates.

My №1 writing tip: writing is rewriting. There are only two types of writers: those who put the hours into rewriting and making their work better and those who claim they do.

Daniel Robinson

I'm a native English speaker who was born in Kansas and spent my formative life in Texas. I hold a B.A. in English from the University of North Texas.

Working as an editor is excellent, and I have more than 8 years' experience doing just that. Editing lets me take a deep dive into the art of written expression and allows me to help other people improve at the same time. I love learning about different languages and how people from other cultures express themselves. I am a dedicated fiction reader, a nature lover, and a big fan of the outdoors in my spare time.

My №1 writing tip: Take a break from writing now and then, leaving the perfect moment to open a book! When you read, your brain will process line after line of professionally written text. This exposure imprints the correct language structures into your brain, regardless of which language you're reading and writing in. All the time you are reading, you're improving your written language knowledge and working those fundamental principles deep into your mind.

Maria Walker

I studied at the University of Ottawa, where I achieved a BA (Honors) in English and Political Science. I have been writing and editing for over 7 years, mostly in academic and legal literature. I am currently a program lawyer in the field of labor and employment law. Editorly feels like an excellent opportunity for me because I learn about new subjects every time I sit down to edit and provide help for students.

My №1 writing tip: “Read again what you wrote!” Each time we read something we've written, it reaches our mind in a new way and provides new insights into our editing process. It will help you spot things you've missed previously.

Charlotte Allen

I was born and bred in Boston, Massachusetts. My first degree was in Humanities and I studied English literature at graduate level. While studying, I worked as a faculty assistant which helped me understand how much I enjoy helping students learn to communicate. I really like helping people express themselves in writing and that's what I like most about working for Editorly.

My TOP tip: I always say that the better writer you want to be, the more books you need to read. And not just books, reading anything can be beneficial, but make sure to read some academic texts in the style of language that you're aiming for. Don't be afraid to read your own writing, either. Proofreading is a skill and nothing beats time spent practicing.

Paul Young

I'm an alumnus of the prestigious University College London, where I studied for a BA in English. I have been editing and proofreading the work of students for over 10 years. I feel like editing is a puzzle: you take something apart, bit by bit, and then put it together so that it fits into a broader narrative. Watching it come together is really, really inspiring, and I love working with Editorly. I really like helping students with their own puzzles and helping them express their own stories.

I enjoy reading and writing fiction, drawing, and exploring the countryside on long walks.

My №1 writing tip: Sometimes, we all get stuck or find ourselves rewriting something and still not getting it quite right. If that's you, then it's time to take a break, think about something else, and return refreshed. A break of just a few minutes allows you to come back to your work with fresh eyes and may help you spot the mistakes that had been hiding here or there. If it's a little harder to get your writing out of your head, why not go for a walk or speak your problem out loud. These tricks together make a process that can do wonders for breaking through your writer's block.

Mark King

I was born in Massachusetts, USA, and right now I am living in Pittsburgh. When I went to University, I studied English both for my undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. I also went to Allegheny County Community College where I studied Social and Behavioral Science.

Some of my favorite things are to read, write, travel, and learn new languages. Working for Editorly gives me a great opportunity to develop my reading and writing skills while editing interesting academic work.

Top tip for writing: Grammar is important in any language but it's also important to remember that a lot of grammar rules are up for debate. Because of this, sometimes the most important thing is to be consistent in your style and grammar choices.

Sophia A Scott

In the United States, I grew up in Minnesota. I hold a BA in Philosophy from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I've made editing my profession for the last 5 years. I love this job because I am continually learning and adding to my experience. Each time I pick up a new thesis or dissertation, I know a unique viewpoint. I feel like I've worked with students from universities from all over the world, and met people who have conducted research in some of the most amazing places.

My №1 writing tip: Every sentence you read helps to unconsciously reinforce the right way of doing things — reminding you of the correct spelling, the right place to put a comma, and the appropriate version of there/their/they're to use. It's simple, and it's the reason you'll find most good writers with their nose in a book.

Ava Hill

I got my BA in Graphic Design from Carnegie Mellon University. I worked diligently throughout my studies and received the Distinguished Scholarship in Design prize. I have been an editor for over 6 years, and I love the challenge that editing brings. Every new document is an opportunity to give feedback and help writers shine to their work.

My №1 writing tip: Don't struggle to explain a writing topic on paper; if you need help, first explain it out loud as if you were giving a presentation to an eager audience. You may find that your choice of spoken words is too informal, your sentences in need of improvement, or the structure a little repetitive. Noticing this allows you to correct them as you rewrite. This is my shortcut to getting past writer's block and finishing a draft without giving myself a hard time.

Isabella D Green

I am proud to say that I attended Georgetown University in Washington DC, where I earned a BA in Political Science. I have gained experience working in career centers throughout the United States, and it's here that I discovered my passion for helping students with their work and their presentations. I also enjoy the opportunity to read about a wide range of subjects.

My №1 writing tip: Don't be afraid of being stuck. If you feel stuck, write down the first thing that comes to mind and run with it, even if it's a mess. You can always return later and make it better.

Olivia Nelson

I studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a major in Journalism. I feel that I have a broad academic base that helps me approach a wide range of topics, such as business, humanities, or social media. I've been an associate editor for a regional magazine where I worked with decision-makers and enhanced my ability to make appropriate content contributions. I have over 8 years' experience in editing and proofreading, and I bring this experience to each paper I work on. Accuracy and consistency are essential to me, and I aim to uphold the appropriate writing style every time I proofread. I'm always striving for a flawless result so that I can help clients with their essential writing.

My №1 writing tip: Be sure to put the time into preparing an outline before you put pen to paper. A detailed summary helps build an effective and well-structured thesis, allowing you to follow up with good ideas and appropriate examples. An outline can also help you get a better sense of focus while writing your thesis.

Emma Smith

I spent my childhood in Canberra and have spent my working life teaching English in Australian universities to international students. I studied at the Australian National University, where I earned a BA in Humanities. I've guided students through lessons to enhance their essay planning and structure and make sure they meet their course's academic expectations. From experience, I know the difficulty of clear expression in a language that is not your own, and I feel excited to help people gain fluency and express themselves.

My №1 writing tip: don't self-edit as you are writing. It's far better to get your ideas out there and on paper before you begin the process of polishing them. It's also better to leave technical issues such as spelling, grammar, and vocabulary until you're rewriting.