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 authors and clients on a diverse portfolio of non-fiction and fiction projects. I also serve as the co-editor-in-chief of BoldFace, the official blog of Editors Toronto.
- Non-Fiction: I specialize in plain language, inclusive language, and accessibility.
Fiction: I focus on literary fiction and genre fiction.
Let’s connect!
I enjoy working collaboratively with 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.
Editing Services
Current Editing Work
There, you can also find some recent copy editing and editing-related writings, such as
- Disability-Affirming Language: Person-First versus Identity-First Language,
- 2SLGBTQIA+Affirming Terminology,
- On Italicizing Non-English Words, and
- Finding Your Editorial Niche.
Check out my profile on Editors Canada’s Online Directory of Editors (ODE), my portfolio with my most recent work, and my about me page.
Editing Experience
I have been working with authors and clients on both non-fiction and fiction projects since 2019.
My experience lies mainly in Canada and US-based publishing norms and standards, including The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and Associated Press (AP) style.
I focus on
- non-fiction works (political science, international relations, history, language, disability),
- web copy/business materials/policies,
- plain language, inclusive language, and accessibility, and
- literary fiction and genre fiction (science fiction and horror).
Education
I am currently enrolled in a Master’s of Translation (Spanish to English) program.
I also 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: editing, plain language, linguistic hybridity, Spanish, Spanglish, the Latin American dictator novel, diasporic identity, international relations, and US foreign policy in Latin America.
I am also multilingual.
- In addition to my native English, I speak Spanish and Ukrainian fluently and have a working knowledge of Polish and very basic Russian.
- I am also a TEFL-certified English language teacher with a focus on CELPIP and IELTS 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.
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: copy editing, conscious/inclusive language, disability, queer identity, intersectionality, policy work, and science fiction editing.
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.
