Business & Technical Writing/copy editing business

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Expert: - 3/9/2010


Question
Dear Mr. Miller:

I found a previous answer to a family asking about proofreading certification in my search for direction earlier today.  It was astute and succinct--something I appreciate very much.  I am very much on the side of finishing a college degree since there is a huge difference between being trained and educated.  As an older, single woman who never finished her degree, that really hits home!  At this point I am taking up where I left off so many years ago and going after my bachelor's degree.  I realized last summer that I am very good at the details of the English language and have always enjoyed helping my own students, and anyone else who would allow me, to proofread and edit their writings.  My question for you is:  What would you recommend I do to get started in this field before I actually have my degree?  I have been looking online quite a bit and there is definitely conflicting information!  I realize that the best way is to get some experience volunteering or interning.  However, since I am a single mother/college student and only have so much time, I would like to skip that step and start earning money and heading to having my own freelance copy editing business now.  What would you recommend?

Thank you in advance for your time and input.

Yours truly,

Cindy

Answer
Dear Cindy--

First, I sincerely apologize for not replying sooner to your post. I am traveling, but I forgot to set the "vacation" setting on AllExperts.com - that prevents folks from sending me questions while I'm away. Won't be home until tomorrow night. I want to help you, and I will do that, but I can't do so until Sunday night or Monday, at the earliest. Please reply to this and let me know if that is acceptable to you.

Again, I'm very sorry, Cindy.

Take care--

Warren

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Warren D. Miller

Expertise

I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.

Experience

My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.

Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.

Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.

Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991); BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975); Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006) Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006) Certified Public Accountant (1992)

Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)

Past/Present Clients
Confidential.

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