Melanie S. Demmer

Certified Proofreader Overview

More than ten years of combined work & study experience in writing, reading & editing—working for you.

Perhaps I should have known, when I started catching inconsistencies in YA fiction as an early teen, that I had a future in book editing & proofreading. 

I didn’t. But I did follow advice to take coursework in editing as an undergraduate majoring in humanities and as I worked toward an MA in English. I also taught writing and coached writing and literature in undergraduate college courses.

And I continued my training as an editor and proofreader—in academic and nonacademic contexts. I’ve edited and proofread in a variety of fields. Since 2016, I’ve shifted from mostly generalist work as an academic arts and culture editor & proofreader and business blog & content writer to focus primarily on book publishing and special interest blogs.

I’ve been fortunate to work with self-publishing authors since 2021, and I’m also a freelance editor and proofreader for publishing houses. 

With the foundational training of an editor, proofreader, and critical reader with a scrutinizing eye for thought development, argument, flow of writing, descriptive language, and grammar, I also keep myself informed and current in the research and movements of specialized fields including:

• Sustainable living
• Spiritual and personal development topics (especially metaphysical slants)
• Arts & culture

In nonfiction, I frequently read & edit:

• Personal narrative and memoir 
• Personal development
• History retellings and research
• How-to/craft/cooking

In fiction, I frequently read & edit:

• Historical fiction
• Contemporary fiction
• Speculative fiction
• Women’s fiction
• Children’s & YA fiction

Would you like to request a complimentary edit or proofread? Please fill out this request form.

I hope to hear from you about your book or long-form articles! If you have ongoing content proofreading or proof-editing requirements (like a weekly or monthly blog), you might also be interested in my Meticulous Months subscription.