At a loss for words?
is here to help.
I am an expert writer and copyeditor who produces strategic content for tech companies, nonprofits, universities, and small businesses, with deep expertise in education equity, technology, software for social good, accessible ebooks, and digital publishing. I help clients communicate clearly, increase awareness and engagement, tell stories, and build brands that resonate with their audience.
"Working with you is a dream. I predict you'll go as far as you like. I can count on you, you're accurate, and you have a voice that is only bound to get more sure and personal as time goes by. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up editing my work someday." - Chiori S., Magazine Editor
About
I am a versatile and precise writer and copyeditor with over 25 years of experience in business communications, content development, digital marketing, storytelling, and blogging for nonprofit and for-profit companies. Extremely skilled at adapting writing style to a wide variety of audiences and combining creativity with business discipline to produce content that informs and persuades. Exceptionally strong in maintaining editorial standards for style, grammar, mechanics, and usage.
As the Sr. Marketing Communications Writer at Benetech, a software-for-social-good nonprofit, I was the primary writer/editor for over 200 Bookshare blogs and 50 Benetech blogs. I developed digital content for marketing campaigns as well as dozens of impact profiles of Bookshare users whose lives were dramatically changed by accessible ebooks.
Degrees and certificates include:
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Specialized Program in Professional Writing/Editing, University of California, Berkeley Extension
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B.A., Social Science, University of California, Berkeley
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M.S., Special Education, California State University
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California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Writer. Businesswoman. Teacher. Mother of twins. 4-H volunteer leader. Softball player.
Backpacker. Trail runner. Francophile. Traveler. Rugby fan. Horsewoman. Proud Cal alum.
Services
Blogs &
Feature Articles
Whether you need a short, pithy blog, feature article, white paper, executive profile, travelogue, product announcement, or other contributed content, my writing style is versatile and I can handle it all.
Copyediting,
Line Editing & Proofreading
A self-professed word nerd, I have deep knowledge of grammar, usage, and style (Chicago or AP). I can advise on appropriate house style and ensure that all written communications reflect professional standards and adhere to the four Cs of copyediting: coherence, consistency, correctness, and clarity. I also offer localization editing where I check second-language writing for errors and adjust the text to sound more natural for the target audience.
Marketing Communications
I can produce a wide range of marketing communications: digital newsletters, email campaigns, collateral, impact profiles, and social media posts
Writing & Editing
UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources - provide copyediting and proofreading services for Breakthroughs magazine (Fall 2021, Spring & Fall 2022, Spring & Fall 2023)
Benetech and Bookshare blogs - wrote over 50 Benetech blogs and over 200 Bookshare blogs for nonprofit tech company including:
Benetech/Bookshare - provide line and copyediting services for nonprofit technology company blogs. Here is a before and after example of a blog I edited:
BEFORE: Sharene and Tyrise blog AFTER: Mother and Daughter Bond Over
(draft with track changes) Bookshare and Unlock Reading Success
Englanniksi - provide native English language copyediting, proofreading, and localization services to dissertations and scientific articles authored by Finnish scholars and medical professionals.
Clients
“You have been a precious teammate. Always ready for serious work as well as serious fun, and always positive, sincere and impartial in your kind critiquing and editing. Thank you for a remarkable career lifting up voices and stories and creating kindness that has spread and will endure.” --Jennifer K
Let's Work Together
Have a question?
Need a writing or editing whiz?
Want an estimate?
I'd love to hear from you.
Tel: 650-454-7411 lauradeck3[at]gmail[dot]com