dot the i’s and cross the t’s (idiom):
-
to take care of every detail, even minor ones
-
to be thorough and precise
-
complete the task while paying attention to the details
Hi, I’m Tara—an editor and proofreader since 2018 and based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I enjoy editing and proofreading a wide range of projects in both fiction and nonfiction for emerging and established authors. Helping authors bring their words to life, refining and polishing manuscripts until they’re ready to meet the world, is one of my favourite parts of the job.
I hold a Professional Editing Standards Certificate from Queen’s University and a TESOL/TEFL certificate for teaching English as an additional language. I’m comfortable using different style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style and APA, and I work confidently in both Canadian and American English.
As a member of ACES: The Society for Editing, I’m committed to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry standards. I’m also a member of the Indigenous Editors Association, which guides my commitment to
respectful, culturally informed editing. I approach each project involving Indigenous content or authorship with care, listening deeply and prioritizing voice, context, and collaboration. As a Métis editor with ancestral ties to the Red River area, this work holds personal significance for me. I was honoured to be able to attend the Indigenous Editors Circle in May 2025.
At Island Fisherman magazine, a publication that highlights the region I’m lucky to call home, I am the proofreader and write the Creature Feature articles. It’s wonderful to support stories and features that educate readers about the West Coast’s natural beauty, local knowledge, and the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries for future generations.
I’m proud to be part of the editorial team at Orca Book Publishers, a company that shares my values of inclusion, respect, and amplifying underrepresented voices in children’s literature. In particular, I specialize in editing children’s books by Indigenous creators—work that allows me to support authentic Storytelling, honour diverse communities and perspectives, and help ensure their voices are represented with care and integrity.
If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to reach out at tara@dottediting.com. I’m always happy to connect about meaningful projects.
