Editing

An efficient editor is a master of seeing both the big picture and the fine details. I am a professional editor with a Master’s degree (English) who can help identify structural and stylistic issues in your work without losing the feel of your voice.

Types of work I have edited include:

+ books (fiction & non-fiction)
+ academic journal articles & theses
+ magazine & newspaper articles
+ website content & audio content (transcription)
+ keynote speeches & conference materials
+ college/university policy documents
+ resumes & cover letters
+ in-house style guides for publishers/organizations
+ grant/funding applications & much more

Clients I’ve worked for include:

+ authors in need of an editor for manuscript development
+ authors in need of a sensitivity/equity read
+ indie presses and journals, as well as large-scale publishers (e.g., Penguin Canada, Penguin US, University of Toronto Press, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press)
+ artists and/or organizations applying to grants (arts, academia)


WHO AM I?

Editors Canada logo

+ A member of the Editors’ Association of Canada / Association canadienne des réviseurs (inaugural Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Adviser, 2020-22)

+ MA in English, with an eye for clean, concise copy (and a heart that thrives from the creative exchange of ideas)

+ A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Publishing program (2025) and recipient of the Marsh Jeanneret Memorial Award (2023)

+ A professional editor (with 15+ years of experience) and published author (my latest, Vox Humana, was published Fall 2022)

+ A lover of language and overall literary savant (who can type over 100 wpm and was once a finalist for a national spelling bee)


WHO ARE YOU?

+ A new writer who would benefit from having an editor help structure their work

+ An established writer in need of a “second pair of eyes” to fine-tune their work

+ A “pretty good” writer who wants to become an EXCELLENT one


IS HIRING AN EDITOR WORTH IT?

Short answer: YES! Professional editors have the training, skills, and experience to understand the fine mechanics of language at the level of the line. 

As a published author, I know what agents and publishers are really looking for, and can help you not only meet but exceed those standards. A true editor should have a solid passion for sentences and words, and love the detective work involved in ensuring no typo is left unturned.


*** PRICING & SERVICES ***

Please email me to discuss your budget, document(s), and type of editing help you need.

ADAEDITING@GMAIL.COM


** STURCTURAL/SUBSTANTIVE OR STYLISTIC EDITING ** 

+ careful editing of document with particular attention paid to content (audience/medium/purpose), structure, word choice, style, overall organization & expression of ideas

+ comments/suggestions for expansion, cohesion, visual interest, readability, accessibility


** COPYEDITING **

+ careful editing of document (in any discipline) with particular attention paid to grammar, punctuation, and syntax, in accordance with your style guide of choice (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, etc.)


FYI: What Editors Do/Don’t Do

It is my goal to have your manuscript in tip-top shape, but I am also a human being, not an autocorrecting machine. While I will not write your document for you, I am happy to work with your document in whatever stage of completion it is in.

An editor SHOULD: help you clean up your spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation, checking for inconsistencies or moments of unnecessary repetition.

An editor SHOULD NOT: write your document for you, thus destroying your original voice, or share your name/work with anyone. Your work is ALWAYS confidential.

Documents will be returned if illegible, disorganized, or distractingly incomplete. Derogatory and/or demeaning language will not be tolerated. Feel free to explain in an email if you think your content requires a sensitivity read, either alone or in combination with editing help.


F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Are your rates flexible? Rates are dependent on the length and complexity of a project. I offer a sliding scale for those who are structurally disadvantaged. Rush jobs may be subject to higher fees. Email me for a quote: ADAEDITING@GMAIL.COM.

How do you accept payment? Electronically, via email transfer. All projects require a contract signed by both the client and myself. I always issue an invoice once my services are complete, along with a memo detailing major/overall changes and next steps.

I need someone to help me write my document. Can you help? The document you send to me should be complete or near-completion. My job is to oversee the development and formatting of your piece, not direct its course by adding to the content.

Will you keep my work confidential? ALL documents and client communications are 100% CONFIDENTIAL. Documents (original or revised) will never be shared, transmitted, or otherwise made available outside our direct communications.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Adebe heard my unique voice and respected it throughout our time editing my journal of stories that later turned into my manuscript. She was amazing at providing professional help to determine both the strengths and weaknesses of my writing and supported me in reshaping my approach to speak and write more unapologetically. Her insight gave me a sense of hope and inspiration to see the bigger picture and the impact of writing about marginalized BIPOC voices at this particular moment in time (2020) which was exactly what I needed to get unstuck. I am proud to have finished my manuscript for my 2021 debut memoir.” 
– Curtis Carmichael, Writer, Educator & Team Canada Athlete (Toronto, Canada)

“Adebe is a meticulous and thoughtful editor. She approached my work with care and deep consideration. I would work with her again in a heartbeat!”
– Dr. Minelle Mahtani, Associate Professor, Institute for Social Justice (University of British Columbia) 

“When I am putting together a manuscript, I need candid feedback from someone who values both correctness and creativity. Adebe respects the vision for every book and challenges the author to see further and more sensitively. She has edited two of my manuscripts thus far, and I look forward to our next collaboration!”
– Julia Gibson, Poet (Toronto, Canada)

“Adebe provides top-notch editing services consistently. She is also punctual — able to deliver even working on a tight deadline. I highly recommend Adebe and appreciate that she chooses to cooperate with us.”
– Ethan Zou, Manager, HiOffer Consulting (Toronto, Canada)