About me
I am a developmental editor, line-editor, and copyeditor based in Berlin, originally from Toronto, Canada. I have been working as an editor in various capacities for over twenty-five years. I am also a filmmaker and musician, and I approach my work from a creative perspective, whether it be within problem solving, writing, or handling the words of others. I have always been fascinated with the written word and was the only kid in my class who enjoyed English grammar lessons. (Oh comma, how you thrill me.) Coming from Canada, it has been possible for me to move between British- and American-English styles, as Canadian style incorporates elements of both. I like to work with memoir in developing the… | More »
What I do
Simply put, I work with you and your words. More specifically, my work ranges from precise line-by-line examination of texts right through to broad-perspective questions of voice, structure, and audience. As a developmental editor, line-editor, and copyeditor, I have worked with a many clients on wide array of subjects, formats, and styles — see more on this in my portfolio of recent work below.
In general, the work that I do is arranged in four main areas: developmental editing, line-editing, copyediting, and proofreading. Each of these steps contributes to ensuring that your text is coherent and consistent, and ready to communicate with your audience. | More »
Recent work
Modern Times Review ·
Editing for magazine that focuses on European non-fiction documentary film.
Life in the Fast Lane ·
Developmental editing and line-editing for a confessional novel.
The Empath’s Elixir ·
Shaping the tone and voice of a self-help memoir.
After Three ·
Editing for poetry book reflecting universal themes.
Testimonials
“Tristen’s thorough and diligent work improved this book very much! Her commitment to this project, in combination with very good communication, made this a fine publication.” —Dr. Benedikt Brilmayer · Research Associate, Musikinstrumenten-Museum (SIM PK), Berlin
“Tristen’s corrections are the most detailed ones I have ever seen. I’ve also learned a lot from her comments.” —Anita Jóri · Author and music historian, Universität der Künste, Berlin
My professional affiliations
CIEP · The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, a non-profit body promoting excellence in English language editing.
Canadian Cinema Editors | Les Monteurs et Monteuses de cinéma canadien · Canadian cinema editor’s professional organisation.
Ida Ink · A Berlin-based collective of editors and translators.
SOCAN · Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada
Contact me
I’m always happy to have an initial conversation about your word-related needs — let’s talk.
Also…
Much of the work I do with words and texts is helping people to turn their creative ideas into reality. Part of why I feel a sense of kinship with this work is because my own creative endeavours have been so central to my life. My work with film and music has been an ongoing commitment that I love very much. If you are curious, you can take a look at some of this work at its various homes on the web:
- Faster Miles an Hour · My film, music, and artistic work
- Otolitos · A soft noise band
- VROUW! · A five-femme noisy noise band with talking hats
- Soft Noise Collective · Supervisores Benévolos