I would like to get into editing professionally. I have edited informally and voluntarily for various people over the years. I mainly read to make sure things make sense (and sometime suggest way that sentences could be written more clearly), as well as for grammar and punctuation. This has included non-fiction (papers, essays) as well as some fiction. I have read ARCs over the years and only make comments if I see a glaring error, besides writing reviews. I do better editing than writing good reviews.
As well, I am willing to read for chronic illness and disability sensitivity. I have a long history of both, and yes, I have been working on my own internalized ableism since I became more aware of it. I hope to finish writing at least a draft of my own book this year, during 2026.
My education includes a BA in English, a minor in Creative Writing, a minor in Geography, and a Master of Library and Information Sciences. I was a Youth (ages 0-18) Librarian and YA/Teen Librarian (ages 11-18) for a number of years, as well as a Reference/Information Services Librarian. Currently, I occasionally substitute teach for grades K-8, and in various subjects.
If I had my way, I would edit fanfiction on my own. The number of times I have seen the word ‘defiantly’ instead of ‘definitely’ is beyond count anymore, and I do not read fanfiction as much anymore as I once did. Some fanfic is beautiful written and edited, but there are others that have good plots and ideas, and the execution is awful. (Sometimes there is ableism in some of the fanfic I have read, as well, although in some cases I don’t think it is intentional, and the better writers give a content warning that there might be ableism present in order to present a point.) I have read various fanfiction off and on over the years. I have written one completed story of my own, although I am opting not to share it at this time. I edited it myself multiple times before posting online.
Please contact me if you would like to work something out. I am always willing to read ARCs for free, particularly if they have chronic illness, disability, or chronic pain representation in them in some way.
Leisl Jaberg 