LIZ NORWOOD
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.
~ Picasso (allegedly)
Many people who work with words—teachers, writers, and most editors—are former English majors.
Me, I’m more of a linguist.
And all linguists know that, despite what the grammar police tell us, there’s no “right” way to say something. If so-called “wrong” words are used by enough people for long enough, they become… right. (Just ask Urban Dictionary.)
Don’t get me wrong. I believe in clarity, consistency, and a well-worn style guide. I just don’t mind tossing them aside when a sentence or idea needs breathing room. Because I also believe that language is living, breathing thing.
In other words, I’m not your standard-issue editor and writer.
How I Got Here
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve always lived in—and worked with—language. I’ve taught French, blogged in English, and edited for a major lifestyle magazine. Since 2009, I’ve been a freelance editor and writer specializing in sustainability and green living, wellness and health, culture and travel. In 2013, a journalist asked me to edit her memoir—and I fell in love with the process of helping people birth their books.
What I Do
- Book Mentoring: Memoir and nonfiction, from brainstorming to final draft
- Developmental Editing: Helping you shape your story, structure, and message
- Copy Editing & Proofreading: Clarity, correctness, and polish—without losing your voice
- Content Writing: Original, engaging, research-based writing—for web or print—that educates, inspires, and moves readers to action
How can I help you?
Let's Tell Your Story
Free
Book Consult
Looking for a solid, supportive editor for your nonfiction book or memoir?
Free
Website Review
Is your website fresh, clear, and easy to navigate? Does it inspire, delight, engage?
Custom
Projects
Need help with email campaigns, web content, product copy, or other projects on your plate?
Liz has been essential to so many projects ranging from our product packaging copy, journal and catalog, and our digital communications, always ready to help with great energy and strong work ethic. Her writing and editing skills helped us hone our messaging and tell our story clearly. Not only has Liz been essential in our external communications, but she is extremely well organized and has created a house style guide and copy archiving system, which has saved us time and allowed us to do our best work. Liz has been an absolute joy to work with.