I started freelance editing and copywriting in order to build a business that fit my lifestyle, aligned with my values, and made the world a better place. I wanted to build something with my labor and be proud of the work I was doing. So pretty much I wanted to do what entrepreneurs have been doing for all time.

But why editing and copywriting? I was tired of seeing typos and poor grammar. It was everywhere and once you start seeing it, you can’t go back. Typos, misspelled words, grammar errors, and mixed messages are on social media, in marketing, and on company websites. I started to wonder when exactly it became okay to communicate halfway? Why was understanding grammar, double-checking for typos, and communicating a clear message somehow not “real” enough?

Lines were drawn. There were those who communicated with wild abandon, not stopping to edit their own work and others who happily pointed out each and every mistake they found published. And because so much of our written communication goes out without a peer check, there were plenty of opportunities to armchair edit. Surely there was a better way to forge ahead into a world where so much of our communicating happens behind a keyboard and screen. Why couldn’t we all get along?

In a world where we believe we can be anything, why not be real and correct?

I named my business Elevated Editing with the idea that together I can work with my clients to clarify their meaning, strengthen their voice, develop a common theme for their brands, and do so in a way that adheres to grammar rules and style guides. We can elevate the standards for ourselves and our message, communicating clearly and effectively. Really, isn’t that the point?

I don’t want to change how someone sounds in writing, because that unique voice we each bring to our written communication is important. But I do want to be part of how someone is perceived. So Elevated Editing it is. I believe together we can elevate the discourse.

What a wonderful world.