As a copy editor and proofreader, Jamey specializes in editing manuscripts of different sorts. As mentioned, due to his experience teaching and tutoring English as a second language, he is able to skillfully interpret what 2nd language learners are trying to convey in their writing even when their mistakes might make the task seem daunting. Due to his time spent teaching essay writing, he is able to help his clients to improve their flow and organization through his thoughtful suggestions. Jamey is equally skilled at helping with the writings of native English speakers. For example, in a client essay on nonverbal learning disability, he was able to tighten up the prose by suggesting shorter sentences and eliminating redundancies. Likewise, he recommended reorganizing various paragraphs whenever a sentence from another seemed out of place. In this particular case, he even contributed as a developmental editor when the client wanted suggestions on how to make the essay more suitable for a wide audience. As a proofreader, Jamey has a keen eye for smaller mistakes with punctuation and grammar, and he has used these skills to edit business documents, fiction, nonfiction, and various web content.
In terms of editing, Jamey enjoys working on a variety of projects. Due to his love of speculative fiction, he is always excited to take on projects in genres such as science fiction, horror, and fantasy. However, Jamey also enjoys editing different types of nonfiction. Whether the writing is based on the personal experiences of the author or involves the retelling of a historical event, Jamey finds it easy to lose himself in the flow of the process. While he has yet to work on a true crime piece, he would very much like to do so as this is an interest of his. Jamey is also adapt at editing articles on martial arts, and he knows the subject first hand having trained in various disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, Muay Thai, Karate and Mixed Martial Arts. He has also written blogs on these topics, and he is willing to submit them upon request.
In 2008, Jamey obtained his M.A. in English Literature from SUNY New Paltz. His primary focus was on the English Romantic poets, but he also took courses in Old English, Chaucer, Milton and others.
Jamey's experience in the editing and proofreading industry began when he decided to take Knowadays 50-hour proofreading course. The course gave instructions on numerous aspects relating to proofreading including common spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes, academic proofreading, referencing and citations, proofreading business writing, creative writing and the publishing industry and the basics of Microsoft Word. Jamey was able to pass the course with an admirable score and then earned a position with their partner company, by getting 10 out of 10 positive reviews on trial documents. Jamey has proofread and edited student essays (by both native English speakers and 2nd language learners) as well as commercial copy and other sorts of texts.
In edition to editing, Jamey has also tutored English as a second language. He first obtained a TESOL (teaching English as a second language) in 2013. Following this, he was hired by a nearby community college to work in their Academic Support Center where he helped students learn to become better, more efficient writers. Jamey worked as an ESL tutor for 7 years and he still considers the experience to be valuable.
While working for a nonprofit, Jamey edited 10 newsletters in detail. Titles of these included 10 Envelope Ideas to Increase Response, 14 Ways to Raise Money from Email, How to Acquire Major Donors, How to Maximize Year End Giving, How to Reactivate Lapsed Donors and How to Retain Donors, amongst others. The client was quite satisfied with this work.