I love editing! It combines the mindfulness of meditation, the mystery of a puzzle, and the joy of dancing with a new partner. And I deeply enjoy working with others to make their writing clearer, simpler, more lyrical and powerful.
I offer copy editing and proofreading in the fields of body-mind-spirit, memoir, inspiration, self-help, social service, and education.
In my 25 years of experience as an editor, I have worked on innumerable articles, essays, books, magazines, journals, blogs, speeches, proposals, and brochures. I’ve also worked with people from many countries, helping those for whom English is a second language.
My editing is enriched by my background as a published author and journalist, my work as a community organizer and educator, and my degrees in philosophy, comparative literature, social work, and education.
EDITING … for all your writing needs
“Rivvy used her sharp eye and creative talent to polish, refine, and correct my prose without compromising my expression or message. She has a beautiful gift for making words sing.”
– Rich Israel, author of Groovin': Horses, Hopes, and Slippery Slopes
“Rivvy is a top-notch writer and editor. She brings a careful eye, dedication to excellence, and a sense of humor to every project. It’s always a delight to work with her.”
– Sandra Jonas, Sandra Jonas Publishing House
To contact Rivvy about editing services, please email rivvy at rivvyneshama dot com, or click HERE.
Thanks! I look forward to working with you!
Rivvy’s Background Summary
Editing
- Twenty-five years of experience in editing, rewriting, and proofreading for authors, book publishers, businesses, and magazines, including Nutrition Business Journal, VeloNews, Injoy Birth & Parenting, Sandra Jonas Publishing House, VeloPress, and Fulcrum Publishing
- Publicity organizing, writing, and editing for political candidates’ campaigns, including those of former Boulder County Commissioner and Boulder Mayor Will Toor
- Co-owner of R&J Editing Services with John Wilcockson, best-selling author and esteemed editor
Writing
- Author of Recipes for a Sacred Life: True Stories and a Few Miracles (Divine Arts, 2013)
- Author of Nat Turner and the Virginia Slave Revolt (The Child’s World Press, 2001)
- Articles, short stories, and op-eds published in The New York Times, Ms. magazine, Glamour, Story magazine, Forum, Newsday, Spirituality & Health, Boulder Magazine, Boulder County Home & Garden, and the Daily Camera
Teaching
- Creative Writing Reader, University of California at Berkeley
- English Composition Lecturer, Queensborough Community College
- Elementary School Teacher, Partnership School, New York City
Nonprofit work (involved writing & editing proposals and publicity & educational materials)
- Founding Development Director of Intercambio: Uniting Communities in Boulder
- Director of the Family Learning Center’s After-School Center in Boulder
- Co-founder and Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives in New York City
- Planning Director of Cities in Schools, a dropout prevention program in New York City
Education
- BA in Philosophy, Bryn Mawr College
- MA in Comparative Literature, University of California at Berkeley
- MSW in Community Organizing, Hunter College School of Social Work
- MS in Education, Bank Street College of Education
Testimonials
“Rivvy took my discombobulated 10-year effort and helped turn it into a beautifully presented, cogent whole – beautifully written. We were partners until the end.”
“As an award-winning editor, it is important that the person who proofreads for me and my clients be at the top of their game. Great proofreading can save an editor and her authors from errors and embarrassment while adding a little shine. Rivvy Neshama is my go-to proofreader and my secret weapon. And because she has impeccable focus, I can trust her to catch everything that slipped past the eyes of both me and my author."
“After Rivvy works her magic on one of our pieces, it flows more evenly and gains an elegance and sophistication. Rivvy makes an art out of copyediting.”
“Rivvy has edited and proofread our booklets, catalogs, and video scripts for several years. Her work is thorough and careful and reflects a high level of personal investment and integrity. When Rivvy has worked on one of our products, I can confidently publish it, knowing that her thoughtful review has corrected any and all errors.”
“As a speaker of English as a second language, I have to do my best in business writing. Rivvy helped me improve my writing to sound more professional. She is a wonderful editor and understands my writing challenges.”
"At Nutrition Business Journal, Rivvy was our last and best hope for publishing clean copy. But even more importantly, her stewardship of the entire process—promoting an effective style guide, offering thoughtful suggestions about voice and tone, advocating for clarity and consistency—served as an unexpected asset. Rivvy contributed in a very meaningful way to the success of our journal.”