About Lap Cat Editing
You might suppose I have a lot of cats. I do, of course—five to be precise—but that's beside the point.
If you're a cat person, you'll know how good it feels when a cat settles on your lap. It means they trust you not to harm them.
The editing relationship requires a similar kind of trust. It takes courage to put your writing into someone else's hands. You want to be confident that your editor will help refine your work, not undermine it. And you want to know that your investment will be worth it.
When you choose to work with me, I don't take your trust lightly. I respect the work you've done to develop your ideas and put them on paper. And I respect the fact that you are investing time and money to make sure your writing achieves its goal. While I will make suggestions to improve the text (it's what you're paying me to do, after all), I take care to ensure that your voice rings through, not mine.
My goal is to make sure that your words are as clear and effective as possible—so that your text accomplishes what you need it to do, whether that's capturing the attention of a new client or the imagination of a young reader.
About Emma (the Editor)
While I haven’t always borne the title of “writer,” I have always been one. As a child, I spent dinners poring over the dictionary, looking up the meaning and origin of words I didn’t know. I was the kid who wrote 20-page stories when most were struggling to crank out five. I used to edit the graffiti on the desks at school. Grammar came easily, in both English and French. Even now, I get excited when I crack open a style guide or learn an obscure new grammar rule.
Writing experience
Before embracing editing and writing as a career in itself, I spent over 20 years writing for the federal government and my own small concrete countertop business.
I have written and revised all manner of texts, from website and marketing copy to briefing notes, policy reports, and high-profile Memoranda to Cabinet. I have written for the media, the Canadian public, senior management, Ministers, subject matter experts, and end-user clients.
I have researched and written on topics ranging from military procurement and economic development to the sustainability of concrete. Thanks to an inquisitive mind and strong research skills, it doesn’t take me long to be able to write with authority on an unfamiliar subject.
From writing to editing
Inspired by a friend's interest in editing, I took my first editing course through Simon Fraser University in 2022, and I was hooked. Getting that first draft on paper is only a small part of the writing process; revision is often where the magic happens. And it's the part of writing I enjoy the most. It’s a bit like watching a room be transformed as you paint it or watching a sculpture emerge from a block of wood. The finished product is the goal, but there is beauty in the process.
As an editor, I take a personal approach. I truly enjoy getting to know my clients; it helps me understand your needs and build the trust that is critical to giving and receiving feedback. I also bring a high level of attention to detail, a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of language, and sound editorial judgment—which means that I make thoughtful, informed decisions about what changes to recommend, taking into consideration the context of your project, your voice, and the needs of your audience.
Education
I hold a BA (Honours) in French and Geography from Queen’s University and an MA in International Studies from the University of Exeter in the UK (where I have strong family roots).
I plan to complete my final courses towards the Editing Certificate from Simon Fraser University in spring 2026. My areas of focus have included writing for the web and plain language editing.
I am a member of Editors Canada and the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick. I regularly participate in webinars and educational opportunities offered by these and other organizations to expand my knowledge and skill set. And I always have an editing or writing book on the go!
When I’m not playing with words (let’s face it, I’m always playing with words), you can find me caring for my family, walking through the woods with our dog, hanging out at the barn with our horse, Cody, or reading a good book—often singing as I go.
I invite you to review my CV for more information on my professional background and experience.