Resume

Samantha Lord is a professional editor and writer for hire. She can edit your book (or other content), and she can write your blog posts, newsletter articles, and other copy. Samantha is based in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, but she works online with clients worldwide. 

Samantha Lord

Editor & Writer

I’m an editor and proofreader with a strong literary background, including a Master of Arts in English Literature and more than 13 years of freelance editing and writing experience. Additionally, I hold a Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, and I am a member of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). 

Expertise: 

• Non-fiction, including narrative non-fiction, such as memoir and self-help

• Fiction (clean Regency fiction/Jane Austen variations)

• Developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading 

• Ghostwriting and copywriting 

University Education

Master of Arts, English Literature 

University of Windsor 

Honors Bachelor of Arts, English Literature 

University of Windsor 

Bachelor of Education 

University of Windsor 

CERTESL (Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language) 

University of Saskatchewan 

Independent Learning & Professional Development

Poynter ACES Certificate in Editing, 2024

Poynter/ACES: The Society for Editing 

Grammar for Writing Professionals 

(Niagara College), OntarioLearn 

Digital Marketing Certification, 2024 

HubSpot Academy 

Self-study, 2012-Present 

I continue to read and study professional books on editing. 

Relevant Experience 

Freelance Editor and Writer 

Samantha Lord, Editor and Writer 

Self-Employed 

2012-Present 

I edit and proofread non-fiction (including memoir) and fiction (clean Regency and Jane Austen variations), and I write blog posts, newsletter posts, web copy, and more. 

Book Proofreader and Copyeditor 

Make Your Mark Global 

June 2018-Present 

I have proofread and copyedited several book manuscripts (in American and British English) for Make Your Mark Global, a hybrid publisher owned by Dr. 1Drea (formerly Andrea) Pennington Wasio, a well-known TEDx speaker and media personality. I have included a reference letter from her at the end of this resume. 

WordPress Copy Editor/Writer 

Propel Web Content 

2019-May 2024 

I started working as a writer for Propel Web Content in 2019, and I was promoted to the position of editor/writer in 2022. I proofread, edited, fact-checked, and wrote long-form blog posts, optimizing their readability and SEO using the Yoast plug-in, and adding affiliate links. I worked directly in WordPress on a variety of sites, including ItineraryFrog.com, LawnChick.com, PeacefulPaddle.com, RaisingSheep.net, WorldDeer.org, and TireTim.com. 

Senior Editor at LawnChick.com 

Propel Web Content 

October 2023-May 2024 

I was Senior Editor for LawnChick.com, a lawn care and gardening site. This role involved editing, SEO optimizing, and fact-checking informative long-form blog posts on lawn care and gardening. 

SEO Article Writer 

Word Agents 

October 2020-May 2023 

I wrote more than 350 SEO articles on a wide variety of topics, primarily in travel, restaurants and food, lifestyle, and pets (dogs and cats). For travel, restaurants and hotels, I wrote dozens of listicles on the best establishments in major U.S. cities. I meticulously followed creative briefs with a 48-hour turnaround, completing requested revisions within 24 hours. More than 99% of my articles were immediately accepted without any revision requests. 

Copyeditor and Proofreader 

University of Windsor 

May 2007-December 2018 

I copyedited and proofread academic writing for a Sociology professor at the University of Windsor. 

Skills & Attributes

Adaptability and versatility: I am skilled in quickly adapting to style guides, different writing styles, and subject areas. 

Meticulous attention to detail: I have eagle-eyed ability to identify and correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as improve sentence structure and organization. 

Literary knowledge and taste: I have literary taste and discernment developed through my education, reading, and editing experience. 

Editing while respecting author voice: I respect and maintain author voice throughout the editing process. 

Communication: I communicate clearly and respectfully with authors. 

Track Changes in MS Word and Google Docs: I am adept at using Track Changes to show my edits and queries in MS Word and Google Docs documents. 

Time management and organization: My career as a freelance editor and writer has developed outstanding time and project management skills. I always meet deadlines. 

English grammar and punctuation expertise: Exceptional command of correct English grammar, syntax, and punctuation. 

WordPress CMS content creation and editing: Experienced in writing and editing blog posts in the WordPress CMS. 

Reference Letter Below (Next Two Pages) 

Reference Letter from IDreah Pennington at Make Your Mark Global

“I am extremely privileged to have the opportunity to provide a testimonial for Samantha Lord, who has consistently been an indispensable asset to my anthology projects over the past several years. Samantha's proficiency in proofreading and editing has not just met but exceeded my expectations on numerous occasions, enhancing the readability and engaging appeal of each story she meticulously examines. 

Samantha possesses a unique talent for grasping the subtleties and idiosyncrasies of a diverse range of writing styles. She has been responsible for proofreading the works of a variety of authors, many of whom are non-native English speakers, and it is here where her skills truly shine. Samantha exhibits exceptional sensitivity and understanding, maintaining the unique voice and style of each author while ensuring perfect clarity and accuracy in the language. 

There is an inherent respect and appreciation for the individuality of each author's voice in Samantha's work. She thoughtfully navigates the sometimes delicate balance of making necessary corrections and preserving the original tone and spirit of the writing. Samantha’s attention to detail and her strong commitment to preserving the integrity of the author's voice have made her an invaluable contributor to our anthology series. 

Moreover, her communication skills are unparalleled. Every interaction with Samantha has been professional and constructive, making each project a smooth and hassle-free experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Samantha Lord for her exceptional proofreading and editing services. Her thoughtful approach, professionalism, and dedication are second to none, making her a highly trusted and valued collaborator in any literary project. 

Sincerely, Dr. 1Dreah Pennington”