What can I give you?
Everything I’ve learned over the years.
Before landing in the editorial field, I held positions in the theatre as an actor, in an urban high school as a teacher, in an investment firm as a marketing coordinator, in a gift shop as a clerk, and in a chaotic household as a nanny (not necessarily in that order). I discovered that I prefer to be behind the scenes, which is where I have stayed for more than 25 years—tidying and polishing the prose, poetry, and jargon of businesses and organizations.
My first proofreading position came my way simply because I could spell better than most. Though spelling is certainly a helpful skill, it does not make one a good proofreader. I had a lot to learn.
I signed on as a typographical proofreader for a typesetting firm, where I had the pleasure of studying graphic design and becoming skilled in kerning, measuring layouts, verifying fonts and type sizes, reading proof-to-proof, and registering film. I began learning the quirks of computer software programs and the subsequent problems they can cause in formatted copy.
While receiving editing certification from the University of Chicago Publishing Program, I put out my shingle as a freelance editor and reeled in a wondrous variety of content—from museum exhibit graphics and journals to a children’s mathematics curriculum that included a teacher’s guide, student’s workbook, and textbook.
I also reeled in a full-time position as Managing Editor of a staff of writers and their newsletters, later becoming Editorial Director of two divisions of a publishing company—one producing how-to newsletters, books, and seminars for managers and the other producing motivational content for consumers (see list of books and periodicals). Through experience, I became adept at managing people, streamlining production processes, and boosting revenues for my employer. I learned the business of the marketplace while steadily mastering the editorial skills needed to keep pace with technology and content diversification.
Coming full circle, I’ve put out my shingle again. I’ll proofread or edit anything within my comfort zone and refer you elsewhere if your project exceeds my boundaries. The types of materials I’ve accepted for proofreading or editing include ads, annual reports, brochures, business cards, catalogues, children’s books, coupons, film crawls, e-books, e-mail marketing letters, guidebooks, instruction manuals, legal documentation, magazines, maps, marketing campaigns, menus, nonfiction books, packaging, posters, proposals, and Web pages.
What will you get from me? Everything I’ve learned over the years.
C. J. Jackson
jacksoneditorial at gmail dot com
859 967 4513
serving clients and employers for more than 25 years
