Overview.
I provide copyediting, historical research, and short-form writing services to publishers, writers, and nonprofit organizations producing content focused on arts and humanities, education, or social justice. My work is informed by knowledge of non-Western history and cultures, and inspired by everyday translation of cultures.
Working with me.
Coworkers dubbed me the “perspective detective.” I anticipate the responses of readers and work accordingly. I listen carefully, take notes, and pay attention to detail.
I am comfortable with clients whose first language is not English and look forward to amplifying their stories and cultures for general audiences. I work with clients to ensure their prose translates clearly to target audiences without diminishing their distinctive voice and values.
My background.
I have edited blogs, academic papers, and grant proposals since 2016. I earned my copyediting certificate from UCSD Extended Studies in 2023 and hold a PhD in Japanese history from the University of Chicago. After teaching East Asian history and world history for over a decade, I worked at a literacy nonprofit that serves Somali, Hmong, and Karen immigrant families in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am a member of the Professional Editors Network (PEN). Learn more about PEN here.
Services.
I offer copyediting, historical research, and writing services to publishers, writers, and nonprofit organizations. Historical research includes fact checking and researching the context of a client’s genealogical findings. Writing services include grant applications, blog posts, and articles up to 3000 words.
About copyediting.
Depending on clients’ needs, I offer different levels of copyediting. For light copyediting, I fix indisputable errors and flag other problems such as awkward wording. In heavy copyediting, I rewrite unclear or awkward sentences; I also fix or suggest improvements for issues such as flow in reading and logic.
Software.
I work chiefly in Microsoft Word, but I am also versed in Google Docs. With Word, I use a software for consistency called PerfectIt for Windows, which does not use AI, nor does it require uploading documents. Unless their work is already online (as in a Google Doc), clients’ work stays in my computer while I work on it. To learn more about PerfectIt, see https://www.perfectit.com/
AI.
I do not use AI because I am concerned about global environmental degradation and consent for intellectual property among other things. I prefer to do the work myself and take responsibility for both good and bad points.
I do not work on AI-generated content.
For more information
Contact me below so we can discuss your needs and how I can help. In your message, tell me about your project—genre, length, and approximate timeline for completing editing. If you can, tell me what kind of editing you need.
Patti Kameya 