Hello, and welcome to my first blog post! My name is Alicia Chantal, and I’m the owner and operator of Fresh Look Editing, based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
What is Fresh Look Editing, anyway?
I offer copy editing, proofreading, and writing services for non-profit organizations, small businesses, and independent writers. Health care and education are my two favourite industries, but I enjoy working on a variety of texts and publications that address a number of topics. I love human interest stories, and think sharing ideas and motivations with others is one of the most important ways to break down barriers and achieve common ground in our diverse society.
Why Fresh Look?
Words and how they work together to create messages have always been my passion. English was my favourite subject in school, and my goal was to become a journalist when I grew up and finished my studies. That was the beauty of university; it allowed me to test the waters as a news reporter for my campus newspaper to see what I really thought of the field. What I learned was surprising. I loved interviewing people and crafting a good story, but instead of feeling energized by being the proverbial person in front of the camera, I discovered I wanted to be the person behind the scenes. I took on the role of copy editor in my third year of university, and I loved it. Really loved it. As in, stayed on campus into the wee hours of the morning to edit and proofread, went home and slept for four hours, went to class, and back to the newsroom loved it. Rinse, wash, repeat, but with Macs, pens, and layouts.
Fast forward more than 15 years later, here I am. Fresh Look Editing officially opened in February 2019 and I officially became my own boss. The thought of striking out on my own was equal parts thrilling and terrifying, but after a series of reminders that life is too short not to pursue your dreams, I took the plunge. My entire career and work experience have been about helping people in some way or another, so I thought collaborating with others to give their messages a voice would be the perfect fit for me.
What’s in a name?
Fresh Look Editing represents new beginnings. It represents new ideas. It represents the energy and passion I bring to my work. It also stands for the change so many of my colleagues have worked to bring to the profession — collaboration, not dictation. Editors are not the gatekeepers of language. It’s not our job to definitively decree right from wrong, but to take the tools at our disposal, listen, and advise based on the needs of our writers and their audience. It’s our job to learn and evolve, and my hope is my clients see that in how I approach my work.
New year, fresh look
In 2020, I’m looking forward to working with new clients, reconnecting with familiar ones, and learning alongside my colleagues. If this is the year you’re ready to bring your project to life, and are looking for someone who can use their skills to give your vision a fresh look, get in touch! I can’t wait to see what’s in store.