Martin Zibauer

Professional editing, proofreading, and writing

Martin Zibauer

Professional editing, proofreading, and writing

I make your written communications better

YOU KNOW YOUR STUFF. But your ideas, no matter how good, need a skilled editor for effective, high-impact communication. If your business depends on written materials to persuade, advise, report, or promote, I can sharpen your message and eliminate the subtle errors that damage your credibility.

With more than 20 years of professional editing experience, I know exactly how to clarify and strengthen your document while refining its message to speak directly to your audience.

Why hire an editor?

Errors in your written materials damage your brand and erode client confidence. 
Seeing weak spots in your own writing is difficult.
Your time is valuable. Spend it doing what you do best—and what you can bill your clients for.

Your documents must have impact

The written materials you produce represent you and your company. If your words will be read by clients, the public, your colleagues, or government officials, they deserve to be professionally edited.

Client reports
Training materials
Annual reports
E-newsletters
Website copy
Presentations
White papers

Media releases
Promotional brochures
Advertising
Trade magazine articles
Email marketing
Packaging

thumb_01_60_60RUSSELL MATHEW
Co–Chair, Toronto Land Economics Weekend, Lambda Alpha International

“The guide that Martin wrote for the Toronto Land Economics Weekend is smart, insightful, and a great read.”

thumb_01_60_60STEVE MAXWELL
Writer, columnist, and DIY expert

“Most of the time when editors change my writing I’m annoyed because they weaken it. With Martin, I’m jealous because I wish I had written it that way myself.”

thumb_01_60_60CHRISTINE SISMONDO
Writer, cocktail expert, and author of America Walks into a Bar

“He’s probably my favourite editor to work for. Does that sound like kissing up? I hope not, since I mean it quite genuinely.”

thumb_01_60_60RUTH GANGBAR
Food stylist and recipe developer

“You showed me what a great editor really does—coaxing copy, focussing the nuance, listening to and culling from my creative rants about people and places.”

Selected clients

  • Cottage Life Magazine
  • Renaissance Magazine (RTOERO)
  • University of Toronto Asset Management Corporation
  • Canadian Blood Services
  • Toronto Welsh

What does your document need?

Stylistic editing

EARLY DRAFTS, READY FOR REFINING
When your document is in an early draft, stylistic editing revises sentences and paragraphs for clarity, flow, impact, tone, and readability. In a stylistic edit, I apply judgment and craft to hone your writing and make it more effective.

Copy editing

FINAL DRAFTS, FIXING ERRORS
Copy editing fixes grammar, punctuation, and syntax, so you can be confident that your message and credibility isn’t weakened by errors. Copy editing corrects fine-grained issues, rather than looking at the big picture.

Proofreading

DOCUMENTS IN LAYOUT, THE FINAL CHECK
Proofreading is a final look, the last opportunity to catch remaining errors in your formatted or designed document before it leaves your hands. In proofreading, I often catch inconsistencies that have been introduced by the design process.

> NOT SURE WHAT YOU NEED?

For advice about the editing that’s appropriate for your documents and an estimate of my fee, please get in touch.

You share your draft. When your document is ready for editing—or close—send it my way.

I read it with an editor’s eye and your reader in mind. I’ll spot errors, inconsistencies, and awkward phrasing. I’ll also suggest ways to refine its tone, structure, and flow—and tailor it to the audience you want to reach.

We collaborate. You’ll see my suggested changes and can decide which to accept. We can discuss anything that isn’t clear or needs another option.

You get polished copy. The end result: writing that keeps your voice but is smoother and stronger.

> CONTACT ME FOR A QUOTE