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Copy Editing, Proofreading, Travel Writing
Dorothy J. Countryman
3016 Hickory Grove Court
Fairfax, VA 22031-1141
703-273-2240
Are you...
Tired of spell checking systems that can't tell their from they're from there?
Too busy to proofread your own work?
Smart enough to know that even if you do proofread it, because it is your own work you will miss things a professional proofreader will find?
Desperate to improve your written communications?
On a tight budget?
Perhaps it's time to contact Red Pen Services!
Red Pen provides copy editing and proofreading to individuals, businesses and associations at rates that are often below the industry standard.
For all of the reasons above and more, it makes sense to hire a professional proofreader-copy editor. While your copy is with me you have my complete attention. I will work with you to polish your prose so it says precisely what you mean. I have 30 years experience. My credits include
Books:
Scholarly papers: assisting professors and students at Ohio State University
Technical manuals: Northrop Grumman Corp.
I specialize in scholarly articles and papers and book-length manuscripts without financials or mathematical equations.
I work from my location or yours, so you don't need to provide office space unless you want to. My rates are based on the size of your business. Best of all, you pay only for the time I spend on your project, and there is no minimum. It can be an hour or a month. It depends on what you need.
The best way to reach me is by e-mail. Let me know you've visited or are interested in a rate quote.
Dorothy's Editing Tip of the Month:
Some of my favorite spots are "on the way" to somewhere else.You don't think of them as destinations, but they're such nifty places once you find out about them you want to go back. For example...on the way to Gettysburg...
A trip to Gettysburg, PA is a regular on the itinerary of Civil War enthusiasts. I recommend it to anyone who wants to spend time walking about on ground that can only be described as hallowed. If possible, try to go when the weather is bad--searing heat is not a deterrent to true buffs, but oftentimes it's less crowded when it's cold, snowy or raining. To really appreciate Gettysburg, it seems to me, you need stillness and solitude. They're hard to get in the summer when everyone's there.
On the way to Gettysburg from points south there are at least two places that deserve a look. It's worth remembering that the Armies in that great battle did not arrive by way of the interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Some of the soldiers came along what is now U.S. Rt. 15. So should you. To take the tour, click on the links below.
In historic Leesburg, VA there are things to see and do that you'll miss if you go around town on the new bypass. It's not a big place and most folks are friendly and helpful, so don't worry about getting lost. Get off the highway for a bit and enjoy yourself.
Just south of town on Rt. 15 is Oatlands Plantation. A co-stewardship property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Oatlands, Inc., it is the sight of a variety of programs throughout the year. Past offerings have included Civil War Re-enactments, Draft Horse Shows, Needlework Displays, and Antiques Festivals. The annual Christmas candlelight tours are quite popular. Oatlands was built by George Carter, great-grandson of Robert "King" Carter, in 1803. Remodeled in the popular Greek Revival Style of the 1840s, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1972.
Genealogists and those interested in local history will find the helpful staff and extensive records of the Thomas Balch Library at 208 W. Market Street to be a real delight. The Loudoun Genealogy Club meets here and there are regular lectures on Loudoun and Virginia history. The library is open at varying hours Monday through Saturday. If you're looking for a specific item, call ahead (703-779-1328) to be sure they're going to be in when you arrive.
In Leesburg proper, there are antique shops and historic houses. Restaurants provide everything from fast food to afternoon tea to an elegant formal dinner. The walking tour, which includes a pre-Revolutionary War log cabin is an easy hike, even for the out-of-shape. Bed and breakfasts are available. For the chronically unromantic, the usual assortment of modern hotels are located at the edge of town.
On Edwards Ferry Road at the edge of town, you can visit Dodona Manor, home of George C. Marshall, the architect and statesman who formulated what became known as the Marshall Plan. Along with the house, the George C. Marshall International Center at the site is devoted to futhering Marshall's goal of world peace. It is open January to December, Monday through Saturday.
Morven Park, just off Rt. 7, is the home of the Museum of Hounds and Hunting and the Winmill Carriage Collection. For those interested in the horse-culture of Virginia's Piedmont, it's heaven. Throughout the year, a variety of events showcase Virginia's finest horses and hounds. The 1,200 acre estate was the last home of Mr. and Mrs. Westmoreland Davis who occupied Virginia's governor's mansion beginning in 1918 and entertained numerous dignitaries at this country residence. The Greek Revival mansion was originally a simple 18th Century farmhouse. Today it is home to the Morven Park International Equestrian Center and is open for tours.
When you're on the way North to Gettysburg again, stop in Thurmont, MD for lunch or dinner at the Cozy Inn. This delightful restaurant and hotel offers a buffet every day. The food is excellent, the service friendly and the history fascinating. The Cozy has hosted presidents, broadcasters and various celebrities and has apparently done so without losing sight of its real mission--to provide travelers with good food and comfortable accommodations.
This is just a sample of what's available where you may not have thought of visiting. Hope you enjoy the tour. I'll update this site's list of favorites from time to time, so please visit me again.
Newspapers:
Ohio Jewish Chronicle
Senior Times (Ohio)
Northern Virginia Sun
Washington Business Journal
Gallipolis (OH) Daily Tribune and Sunday Times Sentinel
Greenfield (OH) Daily Times
Chillicothe (OH) Sunday Shopper
Hillsboro (OH) Press Gazette and Times Herald
Congressional Staff Directory
Federal Staff Directory
Judicial Staff Directory
Biographical Directory of the American Congress, 1774-1996
Aspects of Personal Faith: Personality and Religion in Western and Eastern Traditions
What do words really mean? When writing, be sure you choose the one that says what you're thinking. One of my writers once opened a master's thesis by saying there was a dearth of material to choose from and in the conclusion said that she was overwhelmed by the myriad works available. She thought she was saying the same thing both places when in fact she was contradicting herself. Words can sound and look impressive and get you into a lot of trouble. Before you use one you're not positive of, check with Merriam-Webster or another dictionary.