michelleanneedits

In 1993, I graduated from Millersville University with a degree in teaching Secondary English. My first thought was, you HAVE to be crazy to teach...and certifiable to teach English! So, with two year's experience as a proofreader, layout artist, writer, and finally feature's editor of my college newspaper, The Snapper, I jumped head-long into the publishing industry, where my job was taking text and graphics and placing them on the page according to a style guide. There was no creativity, no joy, and tons of killer deadlines. And I missed the kids! 

 

In 2000, I made the move back to the classroom, and I've loved the journey--most of it. Helping high school students develop their writing style--both academically and creatively--is one of my favorite parts of the job, and I get the joy of knowing that, in some small way, I'm helping to shape the future through my work. It was the most valuable part of my training as an editor because I can't just say a change needs to be made. I need to explain why.

 

Fast forward past two kids, a divorce, and financial distress. With little free time for a traditional part time job, I decided to try freelancing and loved it! I could work whenever I wanted without having to worry about my kids. It didn't take long to realize how easily my skills as a teacher, my background as a layout specialist, and my desire for perfection transferred to my work as a freelance editor and transcriptionist. Nearly all of my early clients became regulars, and my feedback on Upwork demonstrates the quality of my work.  

 

Ten years later, I'm striving to find balance between being a mom, a teacher, and a freelancer. As the world of education has become more demanding and my kids reached their VERY busy teen years, I'm beginning to contemplate the next step. So much of my editorial and transcription work has lead me to amazing coaches and podcasters! It seems the Universe is conspiring to point out, over and over again, that this is my calling. 

 

...so HERE I AM!