Reader | Writer | Editor
The Start
My passion for words started long before I became an editor.
After finding THE book when I was a second-grader, I became an avid reader. I am one of few children who got into trouble with my teachers and my parents for reading too much. I only became more passionate from there to the point of graduating with a BA in English as an adult.
Until I found that book, I disliked reading and did everything I could to avoid it. Now, you’re lucky if you can get me to put a book down! My favorite perk about being an adult is that I can read as much as I want to. (My Kindle is probably one of the best investments I have ever made, given how much use it gets.)
Why Get an Editor
Having written material free from distracting errors is essential to keep even the most voracious readers engaged. But writers are human, and humans are prone to mistakes—especially public ones. While I am positive all writers read everything twice, backward and forward, it is extremely difficult to edit your own work. Everyone (even me!) needs to have a second set of eyes on their written work.
Why Choose Me as Your Editor
Pick an editor you can trust—and one that has the skills. Look for somebody who has the educational background you need as well as experience.
If we work together, I will bring my education and my experience to you. I studied English with a concentration in Creative Writing for my Bachelor of Arts. During college, part of my required curriculum included writing workshops for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Through these workshops, I learned what comments were helpful for me as a writer and also learned how to give constructive criticism and helpful comments to my fellow classmates on their projects.
Additionally, I have applicable experience. For nearly two years, I was the office manager of eighteen issues for a regionally and internationally recognized boating magazine, which meant I was the proofreader, the copyeditor, and (sometimes) a writer. I had to edit quickly and accurately—skills I still have—as turnaround time was short and deadlines were always looming. I also had to deal with editing a variety of writing styles, from the more professional writing from our advertisers to the casual style of our editorial writers, all while keeping their voices in mind.
Since then, I have worked on a slew of different projects, including fiction and nonfiction books, blogs, letters, articles, technical datasheets, and more.
If you need more information about me, please keep reading, or view some of the testimonials I’ve received. If you have any questions, need clarification, or just want to say hello, please contact me. I would love to hear from you and hear all about your project (or projects!).
Commitment to Inclusion and Equity
I approach my role as an editorial professional with an unwavering commitment toward inclusion and equity. I believe that equitable and inclusive editing practices are pivotal in shaping a literary landscape that accurately reflects the multifaceted layers of our society.
Professional Association Memberships
CIEP Member
PPN Member
ACES Member
EFA Member
Portfolio of Select Projects
Boo, Moo and Koo: A Spiritual Fable, by Deb Chowdhury
- Deb Chowdhury
- Beta reading
- Microsoft Word
The Diamond Keeper, by Jeannie Mobley
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
The Diviner’s Legacy: Book 1: When the Divine Are Dead, by E. K. Barnes
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting, Proofreading
The Diviner’s Legacy: Book 2: In the Case of Our Fate
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
The Diviner’s Legacy: Book 3: While We Shatter Apart
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
The Flower Boat Girl: A novel based on a true story, by Larry Feign
- Larry Feign (via RUFF! Draft)
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
Forever Part II: A Forbidden Love Story: Guardian of Monsters Saga by Kristin Ping
- Kristin Ping (via RUFF! Draft)
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
Half Sword, by Christopher Matson
- Christopher Matson (via RUFF! Draft)
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
The House of Serendipity, by Lucy Ivison (Author), Lucy Truman (Illustrator)
- Razorbill (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
The Hungry Ghosts, by Miguel Flores
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
My City Upon a Hill: A Collection of Short Stories, by Parker Curtis
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
SOE Conspiracy: Book 1: Syndicate of Earth, by Kevin Do
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
SOE Conspiracy: Book 2: The Ultra, by Kevin Do
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
SOE Conspiracy: Book 3: Corrupted Blood, by Kevin Do
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
SOE Conspiracy: Book 4: Powers in the Shadows, by Kevin Do
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
These Fleeting Shadows, by Kate Alice Marshall
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
The Unbound: Stir of Memory, by Lily & Jeremy Peterson
- RUFF! Draft
- Copyediting
- Microsoft Word
The Narrow, by Kate Alice Marshall
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
Wish You Weren’t Here
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
The Bletchley Riddle
- Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House)
- Proofreading
- Adobe Reader
Professional Certificates
Profile
Visit my LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ritaray.
View some of my writing samples: bit.ly/ritaraywritingsample.