Writing Well: Editorial Services

Experience in:

*Editing and rewriting of texts for: simplicity, clarity and readability

*Organization and presentation of written information for: continuity, elegance and utility

*Research and writing on designated topics for: balanced view, accurate reporting, inspiration

Expertise includes:

*English/American grammar, spelling, and usage

*Styling and vocabulary for the particular genre or specialized field

*Recommendations for typography and design/layout

*Word processing (Open Office - compatible with most other types)

*Internet communications: e-mail (including document attachments)

*Blogging (using Typepad's platform - find out more here)

To contact me (Sara Firman) now click here.

My childhood fantasy, after seeing the film 'Ring of Bright Water', was to be a writer and live in a cottage by the sea with otters nearby. At school I won prizes for my stories but always thought that words should be in service to something else. So instead of becoming a 'writer', I became a 'scientist'. Still I never stopped being a writer at heart.

My scientific training (B.Sc., M.Phil.) led me to spend over 10 years working in scientific and medical publishing, providing a rigorous background in writing and editing skills. I learned the trade on staff in three publishing houses, before offering my services as a freelancer with the diversity that enabled.

After training in various form of bodywork, in particular aquatic bodywork, and also movement therapies, I began a second career. I have practiced privately as well as in doctor's offices, city day spas, small and destination hotel spas, retreat centers, and public leisure centers.

As a writer, I have authored and published articles and publicity materials on spa culture and other topics. I created two websites and an associated newsletter for my own spa-retreat, and more recently three weblogs for my spa consultancy service, aquatic bodywork practice, and creative writing. I have also created more weblogs on the Typepad platform for a variety of clients - author, astrologer, equine therapist.

I have presented workshops and talks, and through my experience in the hospitality industry have developed confident and competent communication skills. My training in NLP (neurolinguistic programming) and NVC (nonviolent communication) inspires me to bring an open, more sensitive touch to spoken and written word.

In the spirit of clear and compassionate communication, Sara Firman

My publishing background

1982-4 Information Scientist at Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau for Plant Breeding and Genetics,Cambridge, UK

1984-5 Assistant Editor at Elsevier Science Publishers, Cambridge, UK

1985-6 Editorial Assistant in Publishing Department of British Council, London, UK

1986-95 Freelance editorial services to scientific, medical and general publishers, UK

(1995-2007 Training and practice in various healing arts. Never stopped writing though!)

2008 Consultant/writer: Vision Spa Retreat consultancy service plus

To contact me now click here.

Contact me with details of your request for editing services (see form below).

I'll need to know:

* what you are writing and for what purpose(s)
* what your schedule is (important if you are submitting papers)
* how you would assess your own writing/ communication skills

The email address you use should be your own and a reliable way to reach you. Regular mail and phone contact are not available for this service. Skype may be offered for particular needs.

Download (use high-speed connection) your free copy of Open Office (open source licence) and convert your documents to this before sending. This will enable us to share editing notes most effectively.

As an alternative or in addition to Open Office and for larger projects, you may like to work with me online in WikiSpaces. This versatile platform allows a record of all edits and inclusion of notes and comments.

All communications will be via internet using email, Dropbox, Wiki, Skype - whichever is best suited to your project. This has the advantage of allowing a clear record of what has been shared and also keeping overhead costs down.

To review your material I ask for a good faith deposit of $35 via Paypal direct invoicing. I will then email you brief feedback and send you an invoice for the full or part payment (less your deposit) depending on project type.

I offer a sliding scale (starting at $35/h for students with proof of status) or flat rate (minimum $75 per job e.g. one-page brochure) for clearly definable tasks.

If you want a timely turnaround for your request, it's essential to schedule your job with me, and do your part by sending it in on time.

I look forward to reading you!

To contact me click here.