Let's work together
Whether your newsletter needs an editor or your business needs some content, help me by letting me help you
Words are funny. You sit down to write, thinking you’ll never be able to rearrange the words in your personal word bank in a novel and fascinating way so as to accurately express the thoughts and emotions happening in your brain when the new array of words on the page reveals thoughts and emotions you hadn’t even considered. And just when you think all the words have been used and there is nothing left to say, you read a piece by another writer and see between the lines the missing words, the spots that can be clarified, elucidated, and polished with a little reshuffling. It’s like writing makes you a better editor, and editing makes you a better writer!
I began my career as an editor. I interviewed for a reporting internship at a large daily newspaper back when newspapers were a thing and I did too well on the spelling test. I didn’t want to be a copy editor, but I wasn’t disappointed for long. A year or two on the rim was the best possible training for a writer. It taught me to see two, three paragraphs ahead, to build to a compelling argument or surprise twist, to jerk that tear if I so chose. Even with the cast of colorful co-workers of questionable hygiene (including the Trilby-wearing freelancer who wrote a German-language local news publication he called “bilingual, bimonthly, and by golly, not bad!”), it was time well spent. I use the skills I learned on the copy desk every day.
Just as reading widely makes a writer better, editing on the regular keeps writers sharp, too.
So with the twin goals of improving my own writing while making some side cheddar, I’m announcing that I’m available for editing work! Or writing work, if that’s what you need.
Here’s how I can help you or your business:
Editing
Newsletter editing – I can be an extra set of expert eyes so that you send out compelling, error-free editions every time. No more cringing after hitting “send.” We could even brainstorm and scaffold your piece together before you start writing. I love to talk writing (way more than actually write). We could create beautiful things together.
Newsletter consulting – Are you having trouble positioning your newsletter? Do you need someone to guide you in the development of your newsletter’s voice, tone, and purview? Worried about being funny or taking risks? Does the concept of building a personal brand give you the icks? Are you unsure how to grow your newsletter (on Substack or elsewhere)? Let’s discuss.
Various other editing – I can do that, too.
Writing
Marketing emails
Corporate blog posts
Press releases
Op-eds
Copywriting
Content strategy
Anything else you’d rather not do yourself
What others say about my work
“Elizabeth is a tremendous writer. There isn’t a topic she can’t write about fluently and credibly. She understands the media business and knows what will work. Her insightful feedback makes everyone’s writing better, and with her own work she has no ego and is always ready to try a new approach.”
– Jason Calacanis, angel investor and founder, Inside.com
“Elizabeth Barr is a blue-sky thinker and that sense of business smarts and limitless possibility translates into her work, whether it’s writing or business strategy. She writes copy that clients love. She’s a very sharp person who's doing some cool things.”
– Mike Harrison, president, Shift Communications
“You are a genius, girl!”
– Selena Martin, Adesso Capital
Every writer needs a buddy
It’s lonely out there, just you and the blank page. A writer needs community, connection, and encouragement from a fellow creator – the thoughts and voices in your head do not count. Let’s level up the quality of your writing and grow your readership!
Sound interesting? Email me at theroutine@substack.com and we’ll get on a call to discuss how we can work together.