Before I joined Billboard in 2000, my professional career began in 1997 as an editor/contributor for Labyrinth, The Philadelphia Women’s Newspaper. I’ve done a variety of freelance work that runs the gamut from writing author profiles for Radio-TV Interview Report and proofreading marketing materials for First USA Bank to reviewing books for The Brandywine Valley Weekly and writing artist bios for such independent musicians as Meredith Blis.

I like to write about/edit subjects that I’m interested in, and I’m interested in just about everything. Most likely if you have something word-related you need assistance with, I can help. Contact me at Christa@thekillingwords.com about any projects you have. (Except for résumés and ghostwriting. Résumés make me want to scream, and if you’re looking for someone to write your thesis for you, kindly get off my Web site.) They can include, but are in no way limited to:

• summaries of services offered by a business or consultant
• professional bios/profiles
• assignments for magazines/newspapers
• speeches/keynote addresses
• eulogies/obits
• online dating profiles
• event programs
• roasts
• book/DVD/album blurbs
• copy for Web sites
• business proposals

If a project is outside my area of expertise I’ll let you know upfront and, if possible, recommend a site or person that would be better-suited for the job.

My rates are as follows:

Transcribing: $20/hour
Will transcribe your interviews word for word. All information 100% confidential.

Copy editing/proofreading: $30/hour
So you’ve written a press release to announce the launch of your new psychedelic coffee shop or a bio for your jazz band. But it needs polishing, and not just because you’re spelling-handicapped. I will buff up your prose so it shines like Diddy’s diamonds.

I proofread with the same thoroughness as I copy edit; hence the same hourly charge. Instead of merely looking for spelling and grammar errors, I will give the same intense read-through as I would for a copy edit. (Projects at this stage should be close to error-free, making it less cost-prohibitive.)

Consulting: $50/hour
You’ve finished that book you always threatened to write. Your sister asked for a poem to include in her wedding invitations. Your husband had to translate a software manual from Hungarian into English. You’ll get professional feedback on your writing, if it achieves its objective(s) and any necessary suggestions for improvement that you’ll implement yourself.

Line editing: $1/word
OK—so your passionate treatise on the evils of rice milk doesn’t just need a touch-up: It needs a makeover. I’ll evaluate your copy, rewrite where necessary and confer with you to determine the tone and style needed for your piece and ensure it remains consistent.

Writing a project from scratch: $2/word
The last time you wrote completely on your own (besides an e-mail) was your senior year in college when you crammed your midterm paper into one frantic, caffeine-fueled night. And it showed. Price includes consultation and any research/interviews I determine necessary to complete the project.

• Once we discuss an assignment, I will send you an estimate by e-mail. This is an estimate only. Work on a project will not begin until you send e-mail confirmation to me that you accept the estimate. I will do my best to give you an exect price as soon possible.
• Payment by credit/debit card through PayPal preferred
• Monthly payment plans available
• Rush services: 40% additional charge on top of the estimated fee; payment to be rendered immediately