About Northern Sunrise Editing

My Background

I began as an insatiable reader and have never really given that up. Early on, I completed two degrees in English, and it was as a teacher of composition that I learned what the writing process really looks like—it’s different for different people, rarely straightforward, involves rest and revision, and improves with feedback.

I have edited technical manuals and distance education materials, and for several years, I served as the managing editor for a small, bimonthly magazine about sled dogs—which is where I learned to appreciate the entire publishing process, from queries and writing to final proofing and printing.

The writing process is
different for different people,
rarely straightforward,
involves rest and revision,
and improves with feedback.

Eventually I took time off to dive deeply into the adventures, challenges, and work of full-time parenting. As my children grew, I worked in public schools, tutoring math and reading and coaching social/emotional skills at the elementary and middle school levels. I learned at least as much as the students did.

In more recent years, I returned to editing full time—now with many more life and professional experiences to build upon and with a deep appreciation for the remote work world that includes those of us who do not live in large urban areas. Today, I am privileged to work with writers and colleagues around the world, while still enjoying the beauty of Northern sunrises.

I edit articles and blog posts, nonfiction books and science education materials, instruction manuals, newsletters, abstracts, and more. Some recent projects have included copy editing an e-book that details how to build humane animal enclosures, writing and producing signs about soil biology for a middle school garden, and copy editing a book of oral histories for a regional museum.

With lifelong passions for animals and plants, I have particular interests in animals and animal care, ecology, gardening, and regenerative growing. (See my portfolio for a few examples.) I also enjoy helping nonprofits polish their communications to maximize the good work they do. But I am continually curious, so no matter the topic and format, I enjoy helping others get their ideas and words out into the world in clear, engaging ways.

Education and Training

MA, Teaching English Composition, Washington State University, Pullman, 1987.

BA, English, University of California, Davis, 1983.

Soil Food Web Lab Tech Certification, Soil Food Web School, August 2023 to July 2025.

Proofreading, Editing, and Fact-Checking CPD-Certified Courses, Knowadays, 2025.

Values & Philosophy

The publication process always amazes me: It brings together people with diverse skills—subject expertise, writing, editing, illustration, photography, organizing, budgeting, marketing, design, printing, web production—all to produce a single work. It’s collaborative—both worthwhile and infinitely interesting.

No matter what type of writing you are doing for the world, it is wise to work with an editor. As writers, we are usually too close to our subject and the sentences in front of us to be the best judge of our own words. An editor can tell you what works and what doesn’t, and they can suggest revisions that will clarify your meaning and make the reading more effortless.

Of course, the writing remains your own. An editor can help you refine the text, but you must use your knowledge of your readers and subject to accept or reject each suggestion. As an editor, I can explain the reason behind a suggestion, but ultimately it is your name that will appear on the work, so you must judge what serves your message and your readers best. I respect that.

When you hire me as an editor, you are hiring a team member who will listen carefully to your goals, ideas, and questions. I will communicate regularly and meet deadlines. Let me know how I can be of assistance.

For information about the types of editing I offer, please check out the services page.