Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.

~ Picasso (allegedly)

 

Many people who work with words—teachers, writers, most editors—are former English majors.

Me, I’m more of a linguist.

And all good linguists know that, despite what the grammar police tell us, there’s no objective “right” way to say something. That is, if “wrong” words are used enough times by enough people they soon become “right.” (Just ask Urban Dictionary.)

Don’t get me wrong. I believe consistency and clarity are critical, and I cannot live without my style manuals. As a content editor, book editor, and copy editor, I can debate the merits of the serial comma, I’ve created house style guides from scratch, and I read grammar books for fun. On the beach, even.

But I’m happy to break the rules when language needs space, when ideas need to roam. In other words, I’m not your standard-issue editor and writer.

I work with many different clients, but I have a soft spot for people making the world better and more beautiful—from organic food companies to social justice nonprofits, artists and authors.

All with the same goal: content that is clear, compelling, and creative.

 

A few words from my clients…

 

Liz edits with elegance, with eloquence, and without ego. We find but a handful of very special working relationships in our careers, for me this is one of them. ~ Chris Nagle, Curator, Outermost Art + Objects

I would be lost without Liz. ~ Annabel Liu, Author

Liz has been essential to so many projects ranging from our product packaging copy, journal and catalog, and our digital communications, always ready to help with great energy and strong work ethic. Her writing and editing skills helped us hone our messaging and tell our story clearly. Not only has Liz been essential in our external communications, but she is extremely well organized and has created a house style guide and copy archiving system, which has saved us time and allowed us to do our best work. Liz has been an absolute joy to work with. ~ MacKenzie Klarsfeld, Patagonia Provisions

We hired Liz to reboot our brand messaging and are delighted with her vision for Apple Park. Not only does she create fine-tuned copy and content for our website and catalog, she incorporates her vast understanding of the eco-friendly, “green” organic marketplace and consumer. Liz is always able to say exactly what we’re thinking in her unique, laidback voice. ~ Susannah Searson, VP of Sales, Apple Park

Liz has the exceptional ability to understand the value of an organization or individual, and then succinctly and powerfully represent this value in words. I’ve worked with a dozen editor/writers/marketing “gurus” and have never found anyone as capable, easy to work with, and insightful as Liz. She is a big picture thinker with vision who also pays attention to meaningful details. Working with Liz, I was in the hands of a caring expert. ~ Catriona M. Glazebrook, Executive Director, Academy for Sustainability & Communications