When people want a pat on the back and a sugar-coated review of their work, they know to take it elsewhere. I love language, and I apply that love of words and their application to each manuscript I review, whether it is a short article or a complete manuscript. That application often involves a minute dissection of word usage and the general flow of a piece, although I am capable of doing simple proofreading when required. I have been editing for friends and co-workers since my writing career began, and have since taken my editing skills professional. I am a capable and intelligent editor with an instinct for the written language, supplemented with the study of grammar and stylistic rules.    More About Dionne What I like most about editing: I love the opportunity to delve into works that are new to me. There is often a chance to learn something about the world as I edit, even if the work is fantastical. It is also a joy of mine to take someone.s words and help to shape them, hopefully making them better along the way. My best advice to writers: First, write without editing yourself. You need complete freedom to squeeze forth every word that is ready to burst forth. Second, find a red pen or prepare your delete key and become absolutely ruthless. Strive to cut your work down by at least ten percent. My favorite genres to edit: I love to read Fantasy novels, but often desperately wish I could have had a crack at a manuscript before it was published. As a fan of the genre, I also have some insights that may be helpful. I also enjoy editing non-fiction, as I am addicted to learning. Number of years I've been editing: I've been editing professionally since about 2006, however I have a great deal of unofficial experience with peer editing as well. Edit hard copy or on-screen: I prefer to edit with a piece of paper and a red pen in my hand, but I have found that the track changes function of Word is almost as fun. My "must have" writing reference books: The Internet. I hate to say it, but there is nary a rule that cannot be found, discussed, refuted and expounded upon online. From style to the serial comma debate, it is all right there for the searching. Favorite background music when I edit: Alternative rock, jazz, or Irish folk music, mostly, but if you hear a group of women singing in Gaelic, that would be my CD also. Scene outside the window where I edit: A redwood deck, still bright and new, extends out into a tiny sea of grass—a pond, really. At the abrupt cessation of this little-mowed lawn is a set of two steps leading into a small area of tropical persuasion, with fancy grasses and foreign flowers framing the hammock that hangs suspended there. There are also a small child and a dog often playing somewhere in that yard. Favorite quotes: "Words are not rare and precious gems. If you have to get rid of some, you can always make more later." Memorable fictional character: Nothing is springing into my mind in answer to this question, but I read so much, so often, that I tend to forget about even the most interesting characters until I rediscover them later. My latest discovery has been Sauscony Skolia of the Skolian Saga by Catherine Asaro. Most recent blog/website I bookmarked: Polyspace.wordpress.com: The blog is by a young woman who discusses the philosophical and practical implications of having an ethical open relationship. Currently reading: The Complete Idiots Guide to Knitting, Wicked, and a massive pile of magazines.