March 2024. I’ve just finished the translation of Bernard-Henri Lévy’s book on the war in Gaza. The French original, Solitude d’Israël, is #1 in its category on Amazon.fr. The English edition is expected in August.

What can I do for you?

Editor 

Today, particularly in institutional settings, texts often are assembled rather than written. What gets left out in the process, in addition, obviously, to the author's voice, is the concern for elegance, brevity, sequence, rhythm, connection, and flow. I fix that. I pare text to its essentials, and match it to its audience. I help authors who speak other languages recognize themselves—in English. I impart consistency and an even voice to texts by multiple authors who write and think in different registers and with different vocabularies. I supply intros, segues,  signposts, and shortcuts that authors, in their zeal, sometimes leave out. I'm good at speaking plainly about complex subjects. I'm logical. I choose verbs and nouns that make adverbs and adjectives unnecessary. 

Often I serve as writer-editor and project manager (recruiting and supervising translators, copyeditors, and designers). Knowledge of the entire publishing process improves coherence and speeds delivery.

Download or view my CV and cumulative project list. 

Translator

My fascination with translation began in college with Baudelaire and Rimbaud. In what sense, I wondered, were the English renditions “the same" as the originals? Half a century later, I still don't know. In much of my work the question is moot—the translation works if it accomplishes the same purpose as the original. Translation, like acting, is a sort of subordinated creativity—circumscribed by the fact that one must operate within the bounds of the script.  

Working principles

You cannot edit with the TV on. Editors must continually contest the text they’re working on, shifting constantly between the author’s and the reader’s perspective. What is the author saying? What is the reader hearing? Is there a better way to bring the two together? 

Editors are professional outsiders. We know that nobody really likes to be corrected, although most people are willing to listen if you show them that you can help them do their jobs better. Editors have to find ways to practice their craft gently, persuasively, interactively, and transparently. When you love what you do, it shows … and wins people over.

client feedback

“An excellent editor who constantly reminded us that our goal was to communicate information and ideas to a wide audience and to influence real-world outcomes.”—World Bank, March 2024

“Thanks again for all your work on this report, without you it would certainly not have seen the light of day…” —World Bank, March 2023

“The translation is absolutely splendid.”—Liberties, February 2022

“Thank you very much for a great edit—it always enhances clarity and brings the text up some notches.”—International Renewable Energy Agency, October 2021

“Thank you for your great work, it is always a pleasure to work with you. I value the way in which you have knitted together the comments like a master weaver.”—World Bank, December 2020