10. May, 2021

My proofreading and editing journey began in renewable energy, and I’m happy to say that most of my clients are still from the world of renewables, although now we also work together on writing projects. Some of my working relationships in this sector have come full circle. With this in mind, thank you to Bitbloom, especially Staffan Lindahl and Michael Tinning, who kindly trust me with writing and editing tasks on inspiring topics in the world of software and analytics.

Newer connections have resulted from Exactly Editing’s developing niche in writing services for renewables, including the talented educators at The Renewables Academy (RENAC). I especially wish to thank RENAC’s Charlene Rossler (who encouraged me to try my first full writing project, last autumn), Kira Romashko, and Albrecht Tiedemann, for welcoming me onto some very interesting eLearning editing projects over the past 2 years.

I am always humbled by the intelligence, foresight, and quiet dedication of renewables professionals, and feel pretty lucky to be working with them. They are all making a real and positive difference to our world. In environmental terms, they make what everyone else is busy talking about actually happen, and it feels good to be a small part of that.

If you would like to find out more about Bitbloom or RENAC, please visit: www.bitbloom.tech and www.renac.de

(Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash)

21. Apr, 2021

My next gratitude post is for the academics who have trusted me to read their theses and dissertations, as well as articles and papers, over the past 3 years. Most of my academic clients work in the field of law, although some are doing research in social sciences, psychology, or the built environment. From Gröningen University, I’d like to thank: 

Lucia Berro Pizzarossa, one of my first legal academic clients, whose PhD thesis I proofread in 2019. Lucia is now working on an NWO-funded project on self-managed abortion, and will soon move to Washington DC to conduct research at Georgetown University.

Erna Dyah Kusumawati, whose PhD thesis about accountability and the human right to adequate housing I read last year. Erna is now researching at the Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta, in Indonesia. 

Michelle Bruijn, whose PhD dissertation I read at the beginning of last year. Wishing you success with your upcoming defence, Michelle! After her defence, Michelle will continue working at the University of Gröningen as an Assistant Professor.  

From the University of Leiden, I’d like to thank Fachrizal Afandi, who asked me to proofread his PhD thesis last year.

It is always a privilege to read research, as it is something the author has worked hard on over a long period. A sensitive approach is needed. All my academic clients have been friendly, organised and communicative, plus their work is always fascinating!

(Photo by Fernanda Nuso on Unsplash)

23. Mar, 2021

It seems right to start the birthday gratitude with Exactly Editing’s very first client: ProPlanEn. Back in 2016, I did my first freelance project with ProPlanEn Ltd; proofreading a project plan. Since then, ProPlanEn has been a regular Exactly Editing client, and we have worked together on a variety of documents and projects – from quality management system, conference and product marketing documents, to technical proposals and reports.

I first got to know Wolfgang Schlez whilst working for Garrad Hassan (“GH”) in Bristol (UK). He would often send me technical reports to proofread, and I always found him easy to work with; this guy is seriously smart of course, but he also has a great sense of humour. Wolfgang always patiently explained any technical terms that were new to me. I still have these definitions in my bank of technical terms, and continue to learn from him. I also have Wolfgang to thank for introducing me to the fun of using Overleaf to edit.

So, thank you Wolfgang and your excellent ProPlanEn team, for getting Exactly Editing off to a good start and for maintaining a supply of interesting work ever since.

If you would like to find out more about ProPlanEn and its products and services, please visit:

https://proplanen.info

(Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash)

22. Mar, 2021

My little freelance business is growing up. This month, Exactly Editing turns 5 years old.

In human terms, the business has learned to walk, then run; it has completed its first year at school, and knows its letters (and a few numbers); it is certainly eager to develop and learn more.

Actually, Exactly Editing likes to think it knows a little more than the language basics by now, but it does have one thing in common with an eager child: it has made some really good friends in its first five years. I believe that good provider-client relationships can come close to being friendships, and that it is important to take the time to thank friends for their support and encouragement.

To celebrate this birthday, I would like to thank certain key people, businesses and organisations that have made it possible to build Exactly Editing into a small but successful freelance editing and writing practice. I will post a series of gratitude blogs here over the next four weeks.

I would of course prefer to thank all of my clients in this way, since every one of you has contributed to helping Exactly Editing thrive, and I am very grateful to you all! For now, the birthday thanks have been chosen to illustrate key landmarks along the Exactly Editing start-up journey.

We start tomorrow with Exactly Editing's first client, back in 2016...