Tara Edelen

I'm an editor, writer and reader.

I've been involved in all sorts of word nerdery for most of my life. For less time, I've had the gumption to charge people for all this word nerdery.

I follow the "do no harm" rule of editing. I don't try to force text into some outdated form of grammatical correctness. Yes, periods are mandatory, but few rules are. To be honest, the real goal of editing is to ensure the writer's reputation stays intact.

I've edited and written in New York and Washington, DC. I've done the corporate thing, the nonprofit thing, the IT thing. Each setting presented its own editorial challenges and benefits.

One more thing. I abhor verbal violence. There is no such thing as "just a word." Words can make babies and wars. Now, which would you rather make?