About
Lois Smith provides exemplary service backed by 30+ years of experience . . .
I’ve been an editor and proofreader for more than three decades, working on general nonfiction, fiction, scholarly articles and books, website copy, and lots more. My approach to copyediting is “Your words, your way, with a little ‘smithing’ by us.” Ensuring accuracy and preserving the author’s voice are the hallmarks of my work. My career in publishing began in the 1980s and evolved as I rose from editorial assistant to communications director. I have managed entire publishing cycles, from manuscript submission through production, distribution, and marketing.
I started my freelance copyediting and proofreading business in 1986, working with a few publishers and an advertising agency. Since that time my client list has expanded through word of mouth and demonstration of my capabilities.
There’s a kind of magic about copyediting . . .
I can read a work in psychology, astronomy, art history, or Russian history without the slightest knowledge in that field and still be able to spot errors. This is not a rare skill, but what sets a good copyeditor apart comes down to experience and exposure to writings of all kinds on all types of topics. And I have a lot of that, more than three decades’ worth.
Language is ever evolving . . .
which presents a challenge for copyeditors, who rely on long traditions in spelling and syntax. (Fortunately, grammar remains fairly unchanging.) We who do this magical work need to stay flexible and check the latest references and styles so we always get it right.
Every writer has a voice, no matter the topic. And that voice deserves to be preserved. So that’s what I do while I fix things that need fixing.
Professional Background
Communications Director (1987–2018)
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Santa Monica, CA
Areas of responsibility included all publications (journals, books, and standards) website, public relations, and annual meeting technical program coordination, liaison with volunteer committee and Council members, etc
Production Editor, Editorial/Production Supervisor (1978–1986)
SAGE Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA
Affiliations
Society for Scholarly Publishing — Member and Past President
Editorial Freelancers Association — Member
