Expertise Welcome! I have a BA in English and 23 years of professional editing, writing, and proofreading skills. I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, and proofreader. I provide crystal-clear, clean grammar; strict attention to style, consistency, flow, logic, accuracy, and spelling, and I work quickly and efficiently. Have a question? Just ask!
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
Speeches,
Biographies,
Autobiographies,
Short stories,
Novels,
Medical journal drafts and articles,
Art history,
Headline, subhead writing,
Lead paragraphs, pulled quotes, book critiques/reviews,
How-to, DIY [special circumstances only; inquire specifically],
Career exploration, resumes and CVs,
Health,
Calendars, copy,
Photography, copy,
Metaphysical, astrological reports or copy,
Family or historical summaries,
Academic manuscripts [university level and above only],
Self-help, Holistic, Spiritual, all Metaphysical,
Romance,
Fantasy,
Children's literature,
Ghostwriting or co-authoring,
Contributing writer/Op-Ed, column writing, poetry.
If I am away or maxed out, you may always contact me here, and I will respond within or before 24 hours:
WRITING HELP
Experience Twenty-three years' publishing industry experience, editorial (print media). I am now a full-time freelance writer, editor, ghostwriter/collaborator, and proofreader. I provide crystal-clear, clean grammar; strict attention to style, consistency, flow, logic, accuracy, and spelling, and I work quickly and efficiently.
My strengths are in book editing, ghosting, and proofing.
I have a flair for detail, dialogue, and personal narrative.
Organizations Editorial Freelancers Association, USA
Publications Various online e-zines, e-books, full-length (up to 260,000 words) book manuscripts, website revisions/edits, and blogs. Please inquire for full list.
Education/Credentials AA, Liberal Arts, Anderson College, Anderson, SC.
BA, English, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.
Post-graduate work, English, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX.
Past/Present Clients List of past and current clients/references provided upon request.
Q: Well I'm writing a book and I'm already far but now I made a last minute change. The problem is now ... A: I'm not sure I understand your question; how do you mean you "have a reaction to something and don't ...
Q: I am writing an autobiography of myself with hopes of getting it published. Can I use actual names ... A: Please forgive my tardiness in replying; I quite honestly have been ill, over the holidays, at ...
Q: I am planning to write a book about my life experiences so far centreing mainly around my mother. I ... A: Susannah, Thank you for writing. I answered a question very similar to this one recently, and ...
Q: I read you answer about writing factual books. I am writing a book which contains real persons who ... A: Again, I'm really not the expert on this and can't say for sure 100 percent, but certainly what you ...
Q: I'm wanting to write a book about my employment and the treatment I received during my 7 years of ... A: I edited a book about this same subject once (federal agency, etc.), and the author did name all of ...
Q: would be able to proofread my paragraph and give me feed back on how i can improve my peice The ... A: Here's your edited essay: You're a very astute writer with sharp ideas; just needed to shape them ...
Q: I have an idea for a non-fiction books about different types of mothers. I would like to begin each ... A: That's a really innovative, unique take on a "mother-related" book! I really like your angle there! ...
Q: I am in the process of writing a biography on the late actor Heath Ledger. I am a little confused ... A: No, in this case, you're safe -- just look at all the critical reviews on Amazon.com or ...
Q: I am in the process of writing a biography on the late actor Heath Ledger. I am a little confused ... A: You are right to err on the side of caution regarding this kind of thing, but anything that is ...
Q: It was suggested 4 me to write a book concerning caretaking for our love ones since I have been my ... A: This sounds like a marvelous idea and something that you'd also likely find personally fulfilling ...
Q: I'm getting ready to print off my first three chapters for a publisher. I read somewhere to use 20 ... A: Always request writer's guidelines before sending in your query letter and first three chapters; ...
Q: I am compiling a book of interviews. 50 people in one industry will be asked the same questions, ... A: I'm not an expert in legal issues regarding publishing; that is more on the intellectual property ...
Q: Do we type EVERYTHING we want in the published book? Like do I put the acknowledgments in or will i ... A: At this point, or at least while you are writing the book, you can include everything -- including ...
Q: Ms. Van Herrin, I have a simple question for you. I stumped for a word. What do you call a ... A: You are very thoughtful. I believe the word you're seeking is "pseudonym," or "nom de plume," (if ...
Q: Can one use a bastardization of a word or phrase with impunity? For example if I wrote a book about ... A: You have raised a very good, relevant question -- particularly as pertains to the proper use of the ...
Q: I am soon to be college grad submitting my application for the Peace Corps. To do so I must write 2 ... A: I'll be happy to edit this for you, but truthfully, there isn't much to change -- you're a very ...
Q: I just happened upon a 1988 article by Edwin McDowell, on the life and death of literary agent Paul ... A: This question has so many answers on several levels, at least from my lone perspective, but I'll try ...
Q: I have a great idea for a very powerful book that want to donate 50% of the proceeds to a charity. I ... A: Usually, at the point of putting together ideas, etc., and even later, when you're doing interviews ...
Q: Hey Catherine, i dont know if i should be asking this question here, but i can't find anywhere else. ... A: That is one of the most interesting ideas I have ever heard! You are so creative! Unfortunately I ...
Q: She is a single mother of four children. She would like to share her intriguing story of her life ... A: However, I do not accept paid work via this website due to its rules and regulations, etc. I ...
Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ... A: Yes, you definitely have writer's block. It's very common, as I'm sure you know; we all get it. ...
Q: If I wrote a book about a convicted felon, do I need his permission, if he has been convicted of ... A: In my opinion, though I am no authority on this particular subject matter, it would be best if you ...
Q: Greetings: I am writing a book about the cinema. Part of my plan is to explore many of the great ... A: You know, after you wrote (and I had already sent my answer), I thought of the same thing -- and you ...
Q: Greetings: I am writing a book about the cinema. Part of my plan is to explore many of the great ... A: Well, this is a good question, which requires a rather detailed answer! The most basic answer is ...
Q: Is a romance oriented autobiography appropriate for this site? I have four degrees from three major ... A: This isn't the site where you would pitch a story idea, but from what you've told me, I believe this ...
Q: . I have collected 15 TRUE stories written by others for my book......DO I COPYRIGHT IT ALL IN MY ... A: Per copyright law, you must have written documentation of an agreement between you and each author ...
Q: I am writing my memoirs from the 60’s and want to understand a few things about writing a book ... A: 1. For a 250-page book, that comes to about 39,000 words, give or take a few thousand -- but that's ...
Q: Do you have any idea what the word exeleutherostomise means? I came across it in a book recently, ... A: Are you certain of the spelling? If so, it's likely an anachronistic/archaic term derived from a ...
Q: I've been interested in writing and creating novels since I was about the age of ten. I'm getting ... A: Short of knowing someone who "knows someone," etc., it's going to be rather difficult to try to find ...
Q: In trying to compose the perfect letter (a "Query" letter, wouldn't you know), I'm dithering over ... A: I sincerely appreciate that -- you are very kind. In answer to your question, I don't see the ...
Q: In trying to compose the perfect letter (a "Query" letter, wouldn't you know), I'm dithering over ... A: I can't believe it. I just wrote the entire answer and somehow hit the wrong key and lost it all! So ...
Q: In trying to compose the perfect letter (a "Query" letter, wouldn't you know), I'm dithering over ... A: My first instinct is to tone down the entire paragraph and write in a less formal, "highfalutin'," ...
Q: In scouring for an agent, I came across one who says she is “happy to look at the first few chapters ... A: Well. I suspected as much. Regarding the Columbia Library, since that comprises so few actual ...
Q: I have a title for my first book. But, how do you know if someone else has not already used this ... A: That's a good question. The strange truth is, though, that there are literally hundreds, or ...
Q: i was just wondering is there any point in using a fake name for your writing if your trying to stay ... A: The best way to deal with this is just to write under a pseudonym now, in the event that anything ...
Q: "My biggest problem is starting a book. I know EXACTLY what I want to happen. I'm starting a book ... A: Start in the middle, or at the end, or with a few lines of dialogue that you may have already ...
Q: I don't expect to need to know the answer to this for a year or two yet, but it's nagging at the ... A: You should certainly put it on your resume; I'd list it near your "Education" heading, under a ...
Q: I don't think I was clear enough, so I am going to try, try again! I'm not sure if you have access ... A: You will have to attach acknowledgment/attribution to each movie, its director, producer, and year ...
Q: I am writing a book regarding the arrest and ultimate incarceration of my mother-n-law, but her sons ... A: In this case, I would err on the side of caution. I'm not a copyright attorney, but I would suggest ...
Q: if i decided to write a book how many chapters would i need what would i need to do who do i go to ... A: Often, a book isn't something you "decide" to write; ideas just start to come to you, and you can't ...
Q: I am looking for a ghostwriter (collaborator or co-author) for a fiction book in which I have an ... A: When you solicit writers from the directory, many will indicate that they do not accept simultaneous ...
Q: I am looking for a ghostwriter (collaborator or co-author) for a fiction book in which I have an ... A: If the book deals heavily with religion or politics, it's best to just make that very clear in your ...
Q: I was hoping I can get your advice or maybe pointed in the right direction. When writing a book, if ... A: In this case, every situation is different: however, most people will ask that you sign a ...
Q: I have often heard people speak about the 'writer's voice.' What exactly is it and how can I find my ... A: This is just a somewhat loose term that people use when referring to their particular style of ...
Q: I am planning on writing a book, it's real life, but fictional, and it's a novel, not a biography or ... A: I don't know of any agents to whom I could direct you; I wish I did! Probably your best bet is to ...
Q: I love to write, but when I start a story I can't stay with. Then I inspiration from other things ... A: Just do a basic outline with as many or as few details as you see fit; this will suffice for the ...
Q: I love to write, but when I start a story I can't stay with. Then I inspiration from other things ... A: Almost every good writer has the same difficulty. This is not unusual at all. I'd suggest that you ...
Q: I am trying to write a book about my life culture and christianity conmbind. I forget the name that ... A: If you have such a strong desire to write, you really don't need extensive formal training; as long ...
Q: What length does a book for teens have to be.I am sure that I am a good enough writer to get a book ... A: There's really no "specific" length for a book for teens, except that of course it has to be much ...
Q: What is the next step after writing a book? Who do I contact? A: The best way to go about getting a book published is to find a reputable agent. You can find agents ...
Q: When should I begin a new chapter in my book? What determines a chapter? A: Good editors will often "re-chapter" your set chapters, because they have a professional ...
Q: I write because I am puzzled about how a short story can best be written to be both captivating and ... A: A 1,000 word limit doesn't give you much, does it? In this case, you'd have to dive right in, with ...
Q: how do i show thoughts while im writnig a manuscript? A: If you're writing an essay, or any type of manuscript, even the kind that involves dialogue between ...
Q: I am writing a book about my life as I remember. I was pushed by my mother in law to do so. I can ... A: I must say this first: If you don't have a pretty intense, inner need to write your life story, you ...
Q: I'm very interested in write a biography about Lord Byron or Oscar Wilde in Spanish. The problem is ... A: You say you want to write the biographies in Spanish, and you seem to have a good grasp of English, ...
Q: How long to I wait for a publisher to respond to my manuscript? She asked me to send it to her ... A: Generally, if your manuscript is "book-sized," or from 600-1200 double-spaced pages, and you have ...
Q: i wanted to write my own life story but dont know where to start can you give me some ideas how to ... A: Some people like to use a computer, and others like to write in longhand. It's a very personal ...
Q: i wanted to write my own life story but dont know where to start can you give me some ideas how to ... A: Well, that's a very broad question! In general, most people who write their autobiographies begin ...
Q: Van Herrin, I am writing my autobiography. As a life-long pianist, also piano teacher, I have had ... A: In this instance, I would either refer to the teachers as "my teachers," or "my early piano ...
Q: I am interested in writing a book where most of the content would be written by other non published ... A: I noticed that your question was in the "Question Pool" and had gone unanswered; please forgive me ...
