• I present myself as authentically as I can – I do not pretend to have qualifications or experience I do not have, and I try my best to be genuinely me. Being your authentic self can be a less stressful way to live, but I acknowledge that in some situations and for some people, being your true self is unsafe. I acknowledge and support the bravery needed to be your authentic self or to write in your authentic voice.

• Honesty is quite an abstract concept. To me, being honest means I am truthful; I treat others fairly and ethically; and I do not lie or deceive.

• Acting with integrity is being honest even when I’m the only one there to hold myself accountable. I will admit my mistakes, especially if I discover that one of my editorial decisions does not best serve you or your writing.

• Inclusion fosters belonging, and belonging is key to feeling like you matter. Inclusion can take many forms, and in writing and editing, it can look like using language that doesn’t unintentionally or unnecessarily exclude. I have an intense interest in promoting conscious and inclusive language to foster a stronger sense of belonging.

• Similarly, seeing yourself represented in media also fosters a sense of belonging. But representation goes a step further than inclusion – representation demonstrates to others that people like you exist and belong everywhere. I support diverse voices and welcome opportunities to work with people from underrepresented communities.

• Accessibility is another step further again – it says, “We want you here.” Everyone deserves access, whether this is to buildings, books or research. I will always strive to do as much as I can to ensure as many people as possible can access the materials and projects I work on.

• Knowledge is power. The more knowledge you have about grammar, punctuation, style and the rest of it – and when you know the whys and why nots behind these things – the the more choice you have for your writing. I always try to pass on as much knowledge as I can during a project.

• Being an editor means being committed to lifelong learning. Language is constantly evolving, and I strive to engage in learning opportunities so my knowledge evolves along with it.

• Growth is using learning to gain knowledge, and then using knowledge to change – to change what you say, what you think, what you do. I’m committed to growing, personally and professionally, so I can continue to have as positive an effect on those around me – and on the world – as possible.

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