Type Of Business:
Copyediting company
Marketing Area:
Local; International
Expertise:
Editing; Copyediting; Proofreading
Major Product/SVS:
Copyediting and Proofreading services
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading, crocheting afghans for grandchildren, gardening, teaching Spanish as a second language.
Education Degrees:
Master of Special Education, Arizona State University; Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, California State University at Fullerton; Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Utah
Affiliations Awards:
Phi Kappa Phi; Phi Delta Kappa; Boy Scouts of America; American Education Association
Place of Birth:
Washington, DC
Children's Names:
4 grown children, 13 grandchildren.
Work History:
10 years in California Social Services.
21 years special education teacher, both in the States and abroad.
1 year self-employed copy editor.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was writing and editing a comprehensive procedures manual for the Isaac School District Special Education Department in Phoenix, Ariz. Included in this manual were not only the written procedures, but also the then-current forms with completion examples and instructions.
Charity:
Disabled American Veterans; Paralyzed Veterans of America; National Parks Foundation, Boy Scouts of America.
Number Of Years In Profession:
31
Number Of Years In Current Position:
2
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
Elizabeth attributes her success to her knowledge of language, gained through years of college and work experience and her expertise in arranging words to convey meaning.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession as a result of lending her expertise to colleagues and friends, proofreading and editing their written work. When it came time to retire from teaching, she decided to continue copyediting as a profession. Her enjoyment of reading and annoyance at improperly edited writings were also contributing factors. She feels she can make a difference in the editing field.
Extended Bio Profile:
Avid reader. More than 30 years experience editing and proofreading copy. Began by correcting errors in letters and notices sent by my employer. Over the years as a special education teacher, continued to edit parent letters, notices and other communications for colleagues and administrators. Also formulated Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students in language easily understood by parents and others. More recently have edited resumes, letters, cover letters, books, short stories, web sites and a procedures manual. Also set up a complete office system including writing all procedures and developing all internal forms.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Helping writers prepare their work for publication. Identifying and correcting errors by reviewing their work for correct word usage, proper grammar, correct spelling, punctuation, continuity, word flow, internal consistency, clear directions, step-by-step progression, consistent form and rewording or rewriting text. Types of writings include brochures, websites, letters, short stories, novels, procedures for completing tasks, procedures manuals, resumes and cover letters.
Education Certifications:
Special Education Teaching Certificate.
Spanish language teaching endorsement.
Awards/Honors:
Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouts of America; Member Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society; Phi Delta Kappa; National Education Association.
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Howell foresees having a successful business and being very busy doing what whe enjoys--editing the writings of others.