Natalia Iwanek Editing

Hi! I’m Natalia, a Canadian freelance copy editor, stylistic editor, and proofreader.

As a copy editor, stylistic editor, and proofreader, I work with self-publishing authors and clients on a diverse portfolio of fiction and non-fiction projects. I also serve as the co-editor-in-chief of BoldFace blog, the official blog of Editors Toronto.

Editing Services: I offer copy editing, stylistic editing, and proofreading services.
Additional Services: I also offer inclusive language reviews, plain language reviews, accessibility, and sensitivity reading on a variety of topics to ensure the authenticity of your manuscript.
Fiction: I focus on literary fiction and genre fiction (science fiction, horror, thriller, mystery, and romance/queer romance).
Non-Fiction: I specialize in plain language and inclusive language, with an emphasis on web copy and policy review.

Sample edits are available. Contact me anytime to discuss your project.

Editing Services

Current Editing Work

Currently, I serve as the co-editor-in-chief of BoldFace blog, the official blog of Editors Toronto.

There, you can also find some recent copy editing and editing-related writings, such as

Additionally, you may also continue to my profile on Editors Canada’s Online Directory of Editors (ODE) and my portfolio with my most recent work.

If you would like to learn a bit more about how I became a copy editor, including my educational background, professional training, experience, awards and recognitions, and professional editing memberships, please continue to my about me page.

Editing Experience

I have been working with self-publishing authors and clients on both fiction and non-fiction projects since 2019.

I have experience in literary and genre fiction. In particular, I am most familiar with

science fiction (hard and soft),
horror,
thriller,
mystery, and
romance/queer romance conventions.

My experience lies mainly in Canada and US-based publishing norms and standards, including an understanding of various house styles, such as

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and
Associated Press (AP) style.

Education

I have graduated from several Canadian post-secondary institutions.

I hold

a 4-year Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science (with Distinction) from Athabasca University,
a university certificate in Editing from Simon Fraser University, and
a university certificate in Plain Language from Simon Fraser University.

My main areas of study: linguistic hybridity, Spanish, Spanglish, the Latin American dictator novel, diasporic identity, international relations, and US foreign policy in Latin America.

As of February 2025, I have enrolled in a Master’s of Translation (Spanish to English) program, with an estimated graduation date of 2027.

Professional Development

To supplement my knowledge, I regularly enroll in editing-related professional development trainings and courses through Canada, US, and UK-based professional editing organizations, such as

Editors Canada,
Editors Toronto,
ACES: The Society for Editing,
the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), and
the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

My main areas of study: fiction editing, copy editing, science fiction, romance, conscious/inclusive language, disability, queer identity, intersectionality, and policy work.

I am a strong proponent of continuous learning and supplement my training regularly to stay informed of current trends in the editing and writing worlds, as well as to refresh my current knowledge. You can find some of my editing and writing-related musings on my editing blog.

Specialized Training and Teaching

I have extensive training in plain language and Inclusion Equity, Diversity, and Accessibility (IDEA), with a particular focus in disability and accessibility.

I am multilingual. In addition to my native English, I also speak Spanish and Ukrainian fluently and have a working knowledge of Polish and very basic Russian. (Please note: I only edit English texts.)

I am also a TEFL-certified English language teacher with a focus on IELTS and CELPIP English-language examinations. In particular, I am very familiar with grammar and syntax issues faced by Spanish and Slavic-language speakers, which I apply to my editing.

Let’s connect!

I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients. Let’s get to know each other a bit better and see if this working relationship is the right fit.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to discuss your project or to have an editing chat!