Evergreen Editing

Areas of Expertise

Here’s the deal: I have a lot of quirky, niche areas of expertise. While I can and do edit many mainstream topics, I like to gear my business toward writers of quirky, niche subject matter.

I’m an editor, sure. But I’ve also been a missionary, a bartender, a music director, an English teacher, a church pianist, a barista, a property manager, a pilgrim … the list goes on. Below, I list the areas in which I’ve held professional roles, pursued in-depth study, or generally had extensive experience that may prove useful to authors:

  • Latin, Modern Hebrew, Attic Greek, and Koine Greek: I studied these throughout high school and college, and ten years later, I keep up with them. For writers who need an editor who’s good with etymologies and biblical languages/literature, this is a big help. This skill comes in handy particularly for authors writing Bible studies, historical fiction set in ancient times, and theology.
  • World religions: This is what my degree is in. I’ve concentrated especially in Jewish studies, Christianity, and the intersection of healing traditions/modalities with religion/spirituality. While not an expert in Eastern religious traditions, I somewhat have my bearings in Buddhist thought and teaching.
  • Craft beer: I’ve worked a bartender in Seattle’s craft beer scene and am a Cicerone Certified Beer Server. Think of this as being a “beer sommelier”—I’ve achieved the first of three levels, which means that while I can’t identify a beer by swirling and sniffing it, I’m generally knowledgeable about beer styles and production and know how to serve and talk with customers as a bartender.
  • Coffee: Same deal as beer, minus the certifications. I worked as a lead barista/shop manager for five years in Seattle, so I know my way around customer service, coffee/espresso preparation, and behind-the-scenes operations of a small, caffeinated business.
  • Long-distance, human-powered travel: I have walked a cumulative 800 miles across Spain as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, regularly walk and run long distances around Washington’s cities and mountains, and can be found participating or crewing at ultramarathons. I’m fascinated by human-powered movement and “low and slow”” exercise, which dovetails nicely with my passion for traveling around the world.
  • Christian missions: I’ve done them. I’ve critiqued them. I’ve gone on many short trips and one long one. I wrote a book on them.
  • Music: I’m a classically trained pianist who’s played professionally in churches, musical theatre, and choirs for over 20 years.
  • Theatre: Before I burned out from the relentless rehearsal schedules, I worked full-time as a musician and educator on the Seattle musical theatre scene. I’ve also spent much of my young adulthood acting, so I know the lingo, etiquette, processes, and magic of the performing arts from several angles. As a developmental editor, I often draw on my performing arts background to help authors shape their stories, clarify character motivations, and finesse plot pacing.
  • Travel and Geography: I’ve spent a significant amount of time as a traveler and/or missionary in over 25 countries in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.