Debbie Santos Goncalves

Copyeditor/Writer

dsgediting@hotmail.com | 813-943-9677 | Oakland, FL

 

Grooming a body of work to bring out its true potential is something I enjoy and take pride in. I automatically pick up on grammar errors around me in everyday life without even trying. I also intuitively know when something sounds awkward and needs rewording. This natural instinct is a great tool for copyediting and reassures me that I am capable of taking on the entire work in front of me from all angles. To build on this instinct and grow my knowledge for editing, I have taken various online grammar and copyediting courses. I continue to grow my editing skills through manuscript critiquing, as a beta reader, by judging writing contests, and also by volunteering to copyedit the monthly newsletter put out by Florida West Coast Writers.

As much as I love playing with words, I know the importance of clear interpretation for the reader. Copyeditors need to stay true to the writer’s voice, but they also need to ensure the reader is receiving the message as the writer intends it. As an avid reader and also a writer, when I copyedit, I see the document from both the writer’s perspective and the reader’s perspective.

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Certificates

UCLA Extension

Copyediting I

• Copyediting I

Editorial Arts Academy

• Freelance Book Editing 101

Universal Class, Inc

• Proofreading and Copyediting 101
• ABCs of English Grammar
• Punctuation and Grammar 101
• Writing Basics 101 Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation, Writing Structures
• Vocabulary Building

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Organizations and Associations

RWA – Romance Writers of American

FWCW – Florida West Coast Writers

NAIWE – National Association of Independent Writers and Editors

EFA – Editorial Freelancers Association

ACES – American Copy Editor’s Society