Services

Freelance Writing

Writing has always been a love of mine. In my earlier educational years
I was secretary for a number of related organizations. One of my degree majors was political science, therefore politics has always interested me.
I am a news sponge. Letters to the editor across Canada grew out of this interest. My first published pieces were for the Ottawa Citizen and the Upper Canadian antique magazine, with later and current features in Harrowsmith and Life in the County magazines.

There are people who can write and there are people who find it difficult, and who require the skills of a published writer for any number of reasons. One reason might be to bring family history to life, another to produce an important report, or an article for a company publication or organization.
A good writer requires background information in order to prepare a piece and so research is part of the service.

I would provide a draft text copy to the client, and then a final one in both format and print. I have access to an excellent photographer, to illustrators, and designers who can assist where necessary.

If you find putting your great thoughts together as difficult as I would in changing a spark plug, give me a call!

Here are a few samples from my portfolio:

1. Manly MacDonald
(Source: The Upper Canadian)

2. Interpreter of Old Ontario
(Source: The Upper Canadian)

3. A County Painter
(Source: Life in the County Magazine, Autumn 2008)

4. Easel, paints and man named Manly - Writer compiling details on local artist
(Source: By LUKE HENDRY, THE INTELLIGENCER)

Manuscript Editing & Design

Now here's a real slog for some! Professionals hire editors to read and make both style and technical changes to improve a manuscript whether it is a storyline, a press or trade piece. Larger manuscripts might pertain to someone's memoirs, or reminiscences of life which need tweaking. In some cases, the client also wants the material formatted, designed, and printed in a pleasing manner.

If any of the above criteria suit your project, let me hear from you!

Professional Cataloguing of Art

I have developed a new skill in the cataloguing of Manly MacDonald's paintings. In the past I have done appraisals in art, and have been an art dealer and collector. Again, the service may include research. Both a print and formatted text list is provided which includes canvas details, provenance of the art, and a full description. Values can be approximated.

Antique Appraisal

Having been an avid collector all my life and an antique dealer twice in the 1990s, I have learned a great deal about this massive trade. At some point serious collectors want a listing of their prized pieces, perhaps for insurance purpose or for estate planning, or both. Research is sometimes required with this service as well. The final list includes the age, description, condition and relative value of each piece.