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About the Editor, Rita

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

In Rita Ray's headshot photo, she is looking toward the left. She is smiling. The editor is wearing a white shirt with black polka dots. The background of the photo is white.

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

Member of CIEP since August 2023
PPN logo

PPN Member

Member of PPN since February 2023
Logo for ACES (American Copy Editors Society), a professional organization that the editor belongs to

ACES Member

Rita Ray, member of ACES since December 2017
Logo for members of the Editorial Freelancers Association, a professional organization that the editor belongs to

EFA Member

Member of the EFA since November 2016

Portfolio of Select Projects

Professional Certificates

Certificate for the editor, Rita Ray, from Poynter. Demonstrates completion of ACES Certificate in Editing on December 27, 2021.
Editorial Arts Academy Certificate of Completion for Freelance Book Editing 101, awarded to the editor, Rita Ray.

Profile

Visit my LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ritaray.
View some of my writing samples: bit.ly/ritaraywritingsample.