If you're looking for an editor or a professional writer, there are some questions I'm assuming you might want to ask.
I would say the answer is yes IF:
For anyone else, the answer is MAYBE.
If you are a beginning writer that is still learning the craft of writing, you might find some great help through a local critique group, an online newsletter or a great writing website. As a student, a campus organization or a peer group might be able to provide the help you need. If written English is not your strength, or perhaps English is a second language to you, a coworker or friend or even the grammer suggestions in your document program may be sufficient. It really depends on what might be at stake.
I have written and published award-winning picture books as well as adult and children’s magazine articles, poetry, scripts, lyrics and more.
Along with my own words, I have worked with others for the past eight years, providing business and technical writing, editing, proofreading and product development for both individuals and corporations.
Before writing, I earned two bachelors degrees (Linguistics and Theology) and completed a 2-year CERTESL (Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language) program. My other job choices have included bridal consultant, seamstress, small business owner, retail fabric sales, homemaker and mom (trust me, it's work). I am a member of various professional organizations, and volunteer as the Creative Arts Director for a local non-profit, where I oversee drama, writing, art, photography and other creative expression. I am an avid reader, and I have taught a variety of writing and art workshops at conferences and during school visits.
What does that mean for me as a writing professional?
I have a lot of creative and practical experience to draw from.
No, I do not have a specialty per se. My first love is picture books though — that's where I began in publishing and they are, in my opinion, a fine art. I have also written or edited novels, nonfiction, technical papers, product manuals, poetry, scripts, songs and magazine articles. If it has words, I'll work with it. Or let you know if I can't.
I offer:
I like to keep it simple. I generally work on an hourly rate - I feel it provides a win-win for everyone. If you've invested time in revising, polishing, rewriting and developing your writing, it will not take as long for me to edit your work. If you don't have the time, and need someone to take a first draft, or even start from scratch, and hone it for you, I can help. I am certainly open to discussing a per-project flat rate but here's my basic starting point:
$50/hour, with a $25 minimum charge.
It might be a little more if there's a lot of heavy lifting involved (research, interviews ... ) or a little less if the work is ongoing. (I have some clients that I have worked with for years. They get a break.) But I consider that my base rate.
Here are a few extra things to keep in mind:
I can provide references if requested. Here are a few to start with:
"Dimensional Research depends on Valerie Coulman when building high-quality marketing deliverables for our customers. Valerie is consistently able to quickly figure out any new topic or format I throw her way and still turn around writing projects within the tight deadlines that the technology companies we serve demand."— Diane Hagglund, Founder and Principal, Dimensional Research.
"It was my first book, my first adventure into the publishing world. I thought I was ready--I wasn't. Val did a wonderful job of bringing clarity, precision, and punctuation to my book. It is now in at least 21 states and 6 foreign countries."—Carol S. Fitzpatrick, Dyslexia Specialist, Teacher, Author
"Val gave my novel a thorough and honest critique, yet, at the same time, helped me feel good about my writing and myself. I believe the proper title for that job description is Miracle Worker."— Rebecca Gray, Writer
"I highly recommend Val’s work. She was most helpful in capturing the idea I had for the cover of my latest book From Heaven and Earth and bringing the inspiration to completion."— Elaine Ingalls Hogg, Author and Speaker
There's more great information available here or here about things to ask when working with an editor.
Great! Contact me and let's talk about the possibility of working together.
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