Projects so well edited, you won't even notice
Every project is different — your content, design, audience, medium, schedule, and budget have unique editing needs. But all publications share one thing: the need to communicate clearly, correctly, and effectively.
Let’s make your work better.
I’m Carmen Siu, a Toronto freelance editor (and proud Certified Proofreader and Certified Copy Editor) with a passion for quality and a knack for delivering on time and on budget.
I believe that superior editing is completely invisible. A smooth read makes your message clear.
There are lots of automated spelling and grammar checking tools out there. So why hire a human editor?
When you work with a real editor, you’re gaining an ally. Editors use their best judgment to strike that balance: helping you say what you want to say and making it clear, correct, and compelling for your readers. I put my knowledge, and my curiosity, into everything I edit.
I’m proud to have earned my Certified Proofreader designation in 2015 and my Certified Copy Editor designation in 2019. Certification from Editors Canada is the gold standard of editing — it identifies editors who are masters of their craft.
I am a member of Editors Canada, and I volunteer there on a regular basis. I have editorial training from Ryerson University and Editors Canada, and I am a graduate of Western University.
My editing experience includes the media and subjects below. However, I love learning new things — so don’t hesitate to contact me if your project isn’t listed here.
Word doc or PDF? Print or digital? Did you know that different file formats, and different types of publications, have unique editing requirements? I use editorial best practices and up-to-date tools to ensure that your file gets the edit it deserves.
I provide stylistic editing, copy editing, and proofreading services, as outlined by the Editors’ Association of Canada. Additionally, I offer desktop publishing services for a wide variety of materials.
Please note that the accompanying table is a general guideline. I am happy to assess your working file and can discuss editorial needs and recommendations on a case-by-case basis before work begins.
Editing to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow, and refine the language. It includes:
Editing to ensure correctness, accuracy, consistency, and completeness. It includes:
Examining material after layout or in its final format to correct errors in textual and visual elements. It includes:
My clients include design communications agencies, publishing companies, trade associations, and coaches and consultants.
I am proud to help my clients deliver their messages clearly and correctly. Here’s what they have to say about my work.
Carmen Siu has done extensive investor relations proofreading on a freelance basis for more than eight years, during which time she has never missed a deadline. She is often the first reader on a manuscript and as such must be thorough and consistent in her markup. Her queries for authors are clear and helpful. She has a strong command of English grammar and reliably cross-checks with previous reports and style guides. I recommend her to anyone requiring time-sensitive copy editing or proofreading for their financial and sustainability reporting.
Carmen has been our editor on numerous client projects, from reports to investor relations materials. Responsive and easy to work with, she’s able to provide whatever level of editing our clients need, whether it’s a high-level read for logic, tone, and flow, or checking those tiny (but critical) details that make the finished piece professional and credible.
Our design studio is focused on creating engaging branded content, and quality copy is an essential part of any brand story. Carmen is quick to immerse herself in our clients’ brand vision. She corrects errors and inconsistencies based on brand style, and advocates for the reader where text needs finessing for word choice or clarity. In today’s knowledge economy, it’s never been more important to work with an editor who cares as much about your content as you do.
As a busy small-business owner and magazine publisher, I can’t say enough about Carmen’s level of professionalism, responsiveness, and creative input into Better Builder magazine. Her contributions to Better Builder over the years have helped it to be vital to builder education and made the magazine a great read.
Carmen edits a suite of lifestyle magazines for us each year. Our magazines always have numerous contributors with different writing styles, and a lot of visual elements, so it’s important that a proofreader pays attention to everything on the page. We are confident that her edits help make the final magazine a better product.
Carmen Siu is a skilled designer – she is both creative and meticulous. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every project, and is wonderful to work with. Always cheerful and flexible, she works closely with editorial colleagues to ensure a professional product that is both attractive and informative.
I would love to hear about your next project. For an estimate, please include the following information: