Specialties

Thomas possesses a versatile skill set that is adaptable across virtually any area of professional, business, academic, or creative writing. He has completed a wide variety of writing and editing contracts for many different types of clients from many different industries.

Thomas specializes in writing and editing research and publications for educational institutes, government agencies, and professional firms such as law firms and financial services firms. Thomas has a sharp eye for detail and appreciates the value of academic and professional research. He enjoys proofreading and editing pre-publication articles. He understands the importance and significance of accurate fact-checking and of ensuring uniform adherence to even the most minute of grammar, formatting, and usage rules. He is familiar with a range of style conventions, including those found in the style guides of the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), the Associated Press (AP), and the Modern Language Association (MLA).

The competitive and innovative environment of the business world requires a different editorial focus than writing for technical, professional, and academic audiences. Consumer and popular audiences often prefer a less technical approach, so business clients prefer editors who are familiar with “user experience” (UX) models. The conventions and formulas of UX style guides are far less rigid than standardized models. UX style guides may change over the course of a single assignment or contract. Thomas has experience adapting his extensive knowledge of grammar, usage, and formatting to accommodate this need for flexibility and creativity.

Of course, not all editorial requests occur at the level of the educational institute or corporation. Thomas also accepts requests from individuals to revise and edit resumes, cover letters, and online professional profiles.

Interests

Thomas enjoys traveling whenever he can find time. He has been to 15 different countries in North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East. He especially likes to combine travel with opportunities for professional development.

Thomas has enjoyed cooking from a very young age. While still in high school, he was employed as a prep cook and learned Italian cooking from a master chef who had emigrated to the United States from Sicily. Cooking and travel seem to go together. Whenever he is abroad, Thomas enjoys sampling regional cuisines and shopping at local markets.

Thomas loves to read and enjoys spending long summer days with novels, philosophy, history, and other works of literature. He is also a fan of great music. His favorites include rock and roll, blues, folk, jazz, and classical.

Education

California State University, Sacramento

The English department at California State University, Sacramento, is a community of teachers, scholars, writers, and support staff whose primary mission is to promote learning in composition, creative writing, English education, linguistics, literature, and the teaching of English as a second language.

Webster Techwriters

The Certificate in Technical Writing from Webster Techwriters includes training and guided practice in writing, editing, and illustrating end-user documentation for computer software and hardware using the Adobe desktop publishing suite. Additional components provide training in HTML, indexing, and creating digital help files using RoboHelp.

Transworld Schools

Transworld Schools is approved by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and accredited by the Accrediting Council of Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Transworld offers language teachers the opportunity to obtain a BPPE-approved Certificate to Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (CTESOL). Transworld Schools also offers General English, TOEFL Preparation, and Business English courses to international students from over 50 different countries. Transworld students study English for professional purposes, to prepare for study at college or university in the US, or for their own interest.

University of Phoenix

The Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training is a graduate degree program intended for students interested in working with adult learners. The MAEd/AET curricular components explore methods of helping adults develop self-directed and self-motivated study habits; understanding culturally diverse populations; and incorporating technology into adult education and training programs.