Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and in Economics from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Finished double major work in three years. Post-graduate work in Education.
High-level economics courses included macroeconomics, money and banking, and labor law/collective bargaining.
The sole proofreader for all magazines and publications at the American Hospital Assocation's publishing office, Chicago, IL, from 1988 to 2002.
Responsible for fact-checking, grammar, style, consistency and layout schematics for the flagship magazines Hospitals and Health Networks, Health Facilities Management, Materials Management in Health Care, and Trustee magazine; assisted with copy editing of weekly newspaper, AHA News. The magazines used University of Chicago Style, the newspaper used AP Style. Re-wrote copy when needed. Also proofread data-intensive technology reports, corporate buyers’ guides, catalogues, and the web site. Reported directly to company editor. Worked in tandem with editorial, production, art, and advertising departments.
I have kept my editing skills at a high level, scoring in the top 10 percent on Flexjobs Skills tests for English Spelling, English Language, and U.S. English Proofreading. I am in the top 20 percent for U.S. Word Usage, English Vocabulary, and U.S. English Punctuation/Mechanics.
In addition to my practical proofreading skills, I understand that the copy I read is part of a whole publication or paper. Consistency across all aspects of a work, from headlines and subheads to jump lines and captions, is required for a professional look and tone. Inconsistencies can destroy the value of even the best information and knowledge.
After 2002 I stayed home to raise our daughter. She went to high school this year and I am excited to return to full-time proofreading. I really enjoy proofreading; done right, it is a complex and practical editorial skill, not just knowledge-based reading.
Available immediately for all types of proofreading work. Turnaround time should be quick, depending on quality of copy.