Sunday, November 23, 2008

Web Content Editing


You need to have a good eye for all copy when you're an editor and this is especially true when working with Web Content. There are always considerations about keyword placements and the research that needs to go behind these critical elements of the whole picture, and you need to be sure your links point to interior pages that compliment that anchor keyword or phrase.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

More Opportunity


Along with the fiction that I usually do, I've been asked to edit a monthly newsletter for an aftermarket car repair finance company here in Canada. Although it might sound like a real departure, I'm finding the layout portions to be exciting.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Starting The Edit Off The Right Way


There's always the preliminary work before you start any job. Especially when it comes to the kind of copywriting that you want to be professional, and certainly when you're trying to edit you own copy as more content writers are, you really need to take a step back and do a little research that will save you time when you're self editing.

First off, most editors need to know if the document answers the questions that it set out to. If it's so far off the mark that you can't even tell what it's really about, then more than likely you'll need to send it back for a rewrite. Especially when you're dealing with business copy, you'll want to be able differentiate between fact and opinion as well.

Editing is all about polishing what's already there, but you need to be clear about what it is that you're looking at. Finally, you need to decide is there is a balance before you start or if there is too much or too little information.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Being A Text Editor in This New Age

Lots of things have changed since I started out as a journalist years ago and one of them is the way that a text editor on the Internet works their trade. When I started, we used pencils to mark all the edits that we needed to make, but there's no doubt in my mind that the track changes used today with the Word program is a much more efficient way for manuscript editors to work.
I've done editing jobs( both fiction and nonfiction) for people as far away as Australia and Puerto Rico and the Internet makes it easy and enjoyable. I started online as a manuscript editor with two of the bigger online companies but I know the decision to go out on my own brings a more immediate relationship for my clients.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Accolades From Writers

Rob Starr is the editor my first novel, Under the Fifth Sun (StoneGarden Publishing, March 25, 2008). I am now writing my second, and did not hesitate to engage him again. Rob has a keen eye not only for precision and style but also possesses a tremendous sense for flow, clarity, and continuity. He is highly capable and adaptable to any form of written communication, and works with great efficiency. Rob has never failed to impress me with each round of editing. I have never been disappointed with the quality of his work and his professionalism, and neither will you!

Jeffrey Osburn

A Note From A Colleague

Hi Rob

My short story collection has just been published, including the story – “Falling Apart” that you gave me some advice on. On the acknowledgements page, I have thanked you – so your name is appearing in print in the UK.

http://www.amazon.com/Last-Reef-Gareth-Powell/dp/0955318173

Best wishes

Gareth L Powell

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Award Winning Writers

"Robert Starr is a joy to work with. His suggestions are pointed and useful. He has a keen ear for a good phrase and he knows how to bring out the best in a story while remaining true to the author's original vision.”

Gareth Lyn Powell—award-winning British writer.

Always on Time

"We find Rob to be efficient and competent. Whatever deadline we give
him, no matter how soon, he always delivers on time."

Alissa
Basis Consulting, Toronto

Some Happy Customers

"Rob is a pleasure to work with. His fast, efficient editing has often helped make the difference between meeting a deadline, and rescheduling one!"


Kristofer J. Stamp- owner, Stonegarden.net publishing.

Welcome

As well as hopefully getting some of your editing business, I'd be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have about the art of editing. Just post them here and I'll get back ASAP.