Technical Edit Pro
Professional Editing Services
Academic, Technical, and Business
Need an experienced professional editor?
Do you have an academic manuscript, technical document, instructional material, or business publication that needs to be proofread or copy edited? refined and clarified? tailored to your target audience?
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Let me help. My name is Mary Ann Simek.
A Bit About Me
As a technical communicator with over 15 years of experience working in various technical, academic, and research settings, I provide a highly experienced and nuanced approach to evaluating and elevating your documents to the highest level.
I have a strong background in science and extensive experience in organizing, analyzing, and presenting complicated information in a logical and effective manner. My work experience includes research and health risk analysis at a national laboratory, writing and teaching college courses, and developing comprehensive written documentation and online help for software systems and medical equipment. I have edited numerous scientific journal articles, books in science and history, and extensive instructional material and user documentation for various companies.
ln addition to excellent writing and editing skills, I bring scrupulous attention to detail to your project and develop an understanding of your document's purpose and intended audience. These elements are key in effective editing.
Services
Editorial Services
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Proofreading
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Copy Editing
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Mechanical Editing
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Structural (Substantive) Editing
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Reference Review and Formatting
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Compliance to Academic Style Guides
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Publication Types
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Academic and Nonfiction Books
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Journal Articles
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Theses and Dissertations
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Instructional Materials
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User Guides
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Business Documents
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What I Do
I enjoy editing a broad range of topics. Using a comprehensive approach, I focus on improving clarity and consistency while evaluating grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word use. My aim is not only to create clean, concise, logical language but also to preserve the unique quality of the author's voice.
Expertise and Experience
Areas of Expertise
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Scientific Research
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Social Sciences
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History
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Anthropology/Archaeology
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Software Documentation
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Medical Equipment User Instruction
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Employers and Clients
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University of Tennessee Press
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Siemens Molecular Imaging
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Jenzabar, Inc. Higher Ed Software Systems
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Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee​​​​
What I Don't Do
I do not edit fiction, memoirs, course assignments, or resumes. I have many years of experience; therefore, I do not provide samples of my work. You may engage my services for a small document to determine whether my work suits your needs. I do not share your information or your documents with anyone. You retain sole ownership of your work.
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Academic
How I Work
I offer four types of editing service----proofreading, copy editing, mechanical editing, and structural or substantive editing.
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Proofreading takes place when your manuscript is in its final draft stage, when structural and content revisions have been completed. Proofreading identifies typos and errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency prior to publication.
Copy Editing is a more extensive level of editing than proofreading. In addition to correcting mistakes, it includes examination of writing quality----grammar, sentence structure, verb tense, repetitiveness, and word use. Copy editing will ensure the appropriate voice and tone for your target audience.
Mechanical Editing ensures that your document conforms to a particular format or academic style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the APA Publication Manual, or the style requirements of a specific journal. For example, reference formats vary by publication and by discipline.
Structural/Substantive Editing evaluates the big picture----structure of content, logical flow, and organization of ideas. This level of editing typically involves a thorough read-through of the manuscript and written suggestions for improvement. Ideally, this in-depth level of editing takes place before the final touches are applied in copy editing or proofreading.
Your document may require more than one type or round of editing depending on where you are in the writing and publication process.
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How to Request My Services
Send me a message or chat request describing your editing needs, and I will contact you to discuss your document and what type of editing you require. I may ask for an excerpt of your work to see what level of editing I think would be of most benefit to you. Once we have established what you need, I can give you a quote for services.
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Pricing
I accept editing jobs on a case-by-case basis and as my schedule allows. I do not have a one-size-fits-all system of pricing. My rates depend on the editing level needed, the size of the document, the turnaround time, and the specific goals of the author.
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My Requirements
I work in US English. Authors requesting editing services should have a proficient command of English. I typically edit in Microsoft Word, but I will consider other formats on a case-by-case basis. I am located in Knoxville, Tennessee, but the majority of my work is done remotely.
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Contact Me
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Tell me about your project
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Ask me about my services
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Get a quote
