Open To Work
ERICA K FREEMAN
Copy Editor
Harrisburg,PA
Quote
"...to write is human, to edit is divine."
Stephen King
Summary
Thoughtful copyediting and communications professional with more than 10 years of experience improving a diverse array of content, including dissertations, research papers, social media posts, op-eds, blog entries, news articles, fiction, and nonfiction. Proven expertise in editing materials focused on public policy, legislation, politics, advocacy, fundraising, and organizing. Known for exceptional attention to detail and advanced proofreading skills, earning the nickname 'Hawkeye' from colleagues.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Copy Editor/Deputy Communications Director
Pennsylvania Policy Center
Harrisburg, PA
05.2023 - 04.2026
- Used a sharp eye and time management skills for comprehensive copy editing of all of PPC's various external-facing content, correcting typos and making improvements in syntax, spelling, word usage, structure, and tone.
- Audited, updated, and improved PPC's style guide.
- In a fast-paced office, consistently met deadlines, which were frequently tight, given the hectic world of politics and policy.
- Identified instances in papers where the wording of concepts was hard to understand; consulted the author to check accuracy and made complex concepts clear for non-expert audiences. Used fact-checking skills initially gained from a prior career in prospect research.
- Worked remotely.
Copy Editor/Deputy Communications Director
Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center
Harrisburg, PA
05.2019 - 05.2023
- Copy edited all research papers and other materials for an economics-based nonprofit public policy think tank; worked remotely.
- Designed and managed the primary website and designed two campaign websites.
- Acted as a writing coach for research interns.
Owner
Brave New Words Editing
Philadelphia, PA
06.2013 - 05.2019
- Provided substantive copy editing of academic writing, fiction, and nonfiction.
- Addressed structural and style issues in addition to checking spelling, typos, word usage, etc.
- Refined manuscripts written by ESL authors (German, Italian, French-speaking Senegalese) for native English-speaking readers.
Copy Editor
The Philadelphia Tribune
Philadelphia, PA
06.2010 - 06.2013
- At the oldest, continuously owned African American newspaper in the U.S., copy edited news articles and photo captions, wrote headlines, and proofed dummy sheets.
- Drew on personal experience, cultural competency, and sense of ethics to flag issues when a piece veered into a potentially problematic area.
- Earned the nickname “Hawkeye” based on copy editing skills.
Education
Master of Liberal Arts Degree (MLA) - African American Studies and Women's Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PABachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing
Haverford College
Haverford, PASkills
- Copy Editing
- Writing
- Research
- Deadline Management
- Resource Management
- Style Guides: Chicago & AP
- Fact-Checking
- Microsoft Office
- MS OneDrive & SharePoint
- Remote Work
Timeline
Copy Editor/Deputy Communications Director
Pennsylvania Policy Center
05.2023 - 04.2026
Copy Editor/Deputy Communications Director
Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center
05.2019 - 05.2023
Owner
Brave New Words Editing
06.2013 - 05.2019
Copy Editor
The Philadelphia Tribune
06.2010 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts in English - Creative Writing
Haverford College
Master of Liberal Arts Degree (MLA) - African American Studies and Women's Studies
University of Pennsylvania