Hire the Best Copy Editors in Maine

I am a published fiction writer and a freelance editor. Since 2004 I have proofread and edited novels, short stories, memoirs, and self-help books, in addition to web copy, brochures, magazine articles, legal documents, dissertations, and graduate school application essays. I have worked as managing editor of ZYZZYVA and as copy editor for Opium; currently, I freelance for Sky Publishers, Lord Cultural Resources, LaPlaca Cohen, Rutberg & Company, LLC, and Anchor English. I am seeking opportunities to proofread/edit copy in need of an expert eye, whether you have written a book, a series of articles, or a business plan. I graduated from Pomona College with a degree in English/creative writing and attended the master's program in fiction writing at the University of California, Davis. After leaving Davis, I moved to New York City, where I worked as the proclamations writer for Mayor Bloomberg. I have written for websites including Web100.com and Plutoz.com. My short fiction has appeared in literary magazines including Faultline, Alaska Quarterly Review, and Fiction.

If your messaging is almost right but not quite converting, you’ve found the help you need. For nearly 30 years, I've helped organizations turn complex ideas into clear, persuasive copy that builds trust and inspires action. Whether I'm rewriting a homepage, building an email nurture campaign, or sharpening a brand message, my goal is always the same: help you connect with the right audience and achieve better business results. My career began in newspaper journalism, where I learned to write with clarity, accuracy, and purpose under tight deadlines. From there, I moved into freelance copywriting and editorial work, partnering with organizations across higher education, healthcare, technology, and professional services. Along the way, I also worked with a leading study abroad company, creating marketing content for audiences ranging from high school students to university faculty. Since launching Scribbling Madly in 2011, I've worked with organizations including Bauer Hockey, Quantum Workplace, Centivo, Providence College, Bridgewater State University, St. Charles Community College, and many other B2B companies, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. I can help with: o Website copy and messaging strategy o Homepage and landing page rewrites o Email marketing campaigns and nurture sequences o Brand messaging and voice development o Higher education marketing and enrollment communications Here's why clients hire me: o I help clarify what makes your organization different, uncover the story your customers actually care about, and organize your message so people understand it quickly and take the next step. o My background as an editor means I know how to strengthen existing copy without losing your voice. If your website feels dated, your messaging lacks focus, or your emails aren't producing the response you expect, I'll help you identify what's holding them back and fix it. o Every project begins with listening. I ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions when needed, and deliver copy that's strategic, customer-focused, and easy to understand. If you're looking for a writer who combines editorial discipline with marketing strategy and can quickly become an extension of your team, then I'd love to talk.

Do you want a book readers can get lost in? How about reviews that don't mention typos and inconsistencies? Maine Woods Editing can help. I am a highly detail-oriented proofreader/copyeditor able to meet tight deadlines, spot typos, find plot holes and inconsistencies, and make suggestions that respect your authorial voice. With Maine Woods Editing, you are getting a reader perspective, an editor's experience and guidance, and tips that can help you take your writing to the next level. My services: • Proofreading for spelling, punctuation, and formatting issues • Copyediting for style, consistency, grammar, punctuation, and spelling I have experience editing book reviews, magazines, feature articles, fiction and nonfiction, cookbooks, and book blurbs. I am familiar with both AP style and the Chicago Manual of Style, and I'm a proficient user of Microsoft Word. Since leaving Kirkus Reviews magazine and starting Maine Woods Editing, I have helped forty authors polish almost eighty books. Will yours be next? • Maine Woods Editing did an excellent job; I learned a thing or two. Betsy’s attention to detail, proactive feedback, and turnaround time were outstanding. The fact that my publisher prefers MWE says it all. MWE is the very best editorial service that I've worked with during my 40 years as a published author. -William C. Dietz • We publish a lot of well known authors and have won a number of major awards in SF and Fantasy (including the Hugo and Nebula). Betsy has worked with us for years and has been an integral part of our success, and I am sure we will continue to work with her for future projects. -Shahid Mahmud, Founder & Editor • MWE was fast, friendly, and clear with any questions about my work. Betsy was thorough and caught things even previous readers and other editors had missed. Recommended! -Randee Dawn • "Elizabeth is an amazing editor. Her passion shows in her detailed feedback. Her kind, encouraging words and professionalism create an enjoyable and successful author-editor relationship. I plan to work with her again on all my future projects." -Adele Knight • "Elizabeth taught me so much about my writing and was excited to help me grow as an author." -M.E. Thornwood • "Working with Maine Woods Editing was the best decision I made for my book. Elizabeth provided me with thorough edits, guidance, and incredible patience. I cannot recommend her services enough." -Kelly Renway

I am an avid reader who has turned my love of books into a freelance career. My portfolio is diverse, ranging from children's books and poetry to historical nonfiction. Although I specialize in the more fantastical genres, I am always looking for new and diverse projects. Along with basic proofreading and copywriting, I enjoy the challenge of deep editing with special focus on detail and ensuring each piece flows with a consistent and captivating voice. My time spent learning to hand craft books, from setting type and running the presses to tooling and binding the leather, has given me a unique appreciation for the written word. As an author myself, I understand how important it is to have a constructive working relationship between writer and editor. This is why I make it a point to establish an open line of prompt and thorough communication with my clients to create the best partnership possible. I am always open to learning new things in the wonderful world of writing, so please feel free to contact me with any inquiries. *Please note that I am a very open-minded creative. I am comfortable working with many diverse and explicit subjects, so please don't hesitate to ask about non-traditional projects.

Website editing & management: -Squarespace and WordPress site builds, redesigns, and ongoing updates -Clear, conversion-focused page copy and site structure -Content cleanup, reorganization, and SEO improvements -Reliable maintenance so your site stays current Grant writing & administration: -Researching and identifying funding opportunities -Writing and editing compelling, well-structured proposals -Grant reporting, budgets, and administration support -Experience with government and nonprofit funding cycles

I am a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience working in the art & design industries and a degree in English Literature from Reed College. Over the course of my career, I have served as a Project & Production Manager for in-house design teams at pioneering corporate companies such as west elm, Etsy, and Cole Haan. Additionally, I have worked as a writer, editor, proofreader, and researcher for PR firms, ad agencies, art publications, and literary houses.