Article Writing

I write non-fiction feature articles covering topics such as health and wellness; business and technology; instructional design and training; and parenting and lifestyle. See some of my published articles here.



Corporate Writing

I offer the following corporate writing services.

Strategic and Functional Content. I write for corporations, institutions, non-profit organizations, and other businesses. I can write your:

  • proposals
  • white papers
  • newsletters
  • brochures
  • press releases
  • online content
  • speeches

...and just about anything else you can think of.

Editorial Support. Whether for print or online publication, I can develop and implement your style guides and editorial policies.



Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is a term taken from the book publishing industry. It involves planning and executing a writing project from the initial concept through completion. 

As a developmental editor, I can help if you:

  • need to write a document but haven't yet started
  • are unsure of exactly what you want to say 
  • are unsure of exactly how to say "it"

In essence, I act as a writing coach who helps you with large-scale issues such as:

  • identifying what type(s) of document(s) you need
  • identifying how many documents you need
  • clarifying the main ideas you want to present
  • targeting the audience(s)
  • organizing the content
  • determining the appropriate length
  • determining the level of exposition
  • writing clearly and concisely

How is developmental editing different from substantive editing? 

  • Developmental editing begins *before* you have written your document. I will help you develop your concept; then you write the document and I review and comment on drafts. 
  • Substantive editing begins *after* you have written at least a portion of your document. I edit your writing to clarify what's already on paper.


Substantive Editing

Substantive editing is a thorough review and edit of a document from the reader's perspective. It ensures that the document communicates the desired message to its audience. 

I offer the following two-step substantive editing process.

IDocument Analysis. After consulting with the document's author, I will conduct a thorough analysis of your document from the reader's perspective. This analysis focuses on whether the document is well organized, clearly written, appropriate in tone, and delivers the message that the author intended. You will receive an analysis report recommending improvements to the document.

IContent Editing. After the analysis is complete, the editing begins. The content edit implements the recommendations of the document analysis. It is usually an iterative process marked by author reviews and feedback. Content editing typically includes:  

  • revising the content for clarity and audience appropriateness
  • adjusting the document's tone for audience appropriateness
  • reorganizing the content for better flow
  • writing new text, such as transitions and summaries
  • deleting existing text that doesn't support the document's message
  • incorporating feedback from reviewers
  • revising existing text to make sections read as if written by one person
  • modifying the layout and visual design

How is substantive editing different from developmental editing? 

  • Substantive editing begins *after* you have written at least a portion of your document. I edit your writing to clarify what's already on paper.
  • Developmental editing begins *before* you have written your document. I will help you develop your concept; then you write the document and I review and comment on drafts. 


Writing Instruction

SI can implement a writing program to improve staff writing skills at your organization. I believe in a process writing approach that stresses instructor/coach feedback and revision. Send me an e-mail to learn more about my writing instruction programs.