I’m fascinated by the collaborative nature between editing, proofreading, formatting, and design—the way these moving parts all work together.

This visual functionality of production is a passion of mine.

Format Editor, Portland State University Graduate School

In my two-year Graduate Assistantship as Format Editor, I reviewed over 200 theses and dissertations for adherence to the university formatting requirements.

Supported the format review process for graduate programs with theses and dissertations by communicating results to master’s and doctoral candidate, managing submissions via ProQuest Administrator & Graduate Academic Services database, researching tools for specific operating system formatting, and improving existing Graduate School website formatting content

Also co-hosted format review events, creating & presenting content

Formatting Requirements

Research:

Considering Accessible Text Formatting and Layout Design in Print Format Children’s Publishing

Children’s publishing can utilize text formatting and layout design, through aspects such as font size, line spacing, and layout simplicity, to support readers with cognitive and visual disabilities like dyslexia by adjusting these aspects to make print format children’s books more accessible.

Print format children’s books already feature intentional text layout design such as a larger font size or wider line spacing by nature of the small word count and target audience.

This paper combines extensive research on accessible text formatting and layout design for children’s publishing with multiple case studies to exemplify accessible title text formatting and layout simplicity for intentional accessible children’s book design.

These accessible accommodations for print children’s books benefit young readers with print disabilities as well as a wider audience.

Publishers can adapt the text formatting and layout efforts already utilized in print format children’s publishing to also consider accessibility, taking into account the accommodations necessary, to understand what would make a title’s formatting accessible.

Freelance Editorial Work

We can talk about working within your budget, time frame, or even what performing a sample assessment edit can look like. I promise I’m interested; let’s chat about what sounds like the best fit for you and your project.

Have Rory Edit

I’m always interested in discussing freelance editorial projects. Technical editing is my favorite! If you’re looking for support on a technical document in your field, from general copyediting to helping guide an unfamiliar reader through nuanced terms, I’d love to take a look.

I am also available for light, medium, or heavy copyediting, format editing, and proofreading, depending on your needs.

Not sure what you need? Check out the Editorial Freelancers Association’s editorial services breakdown for more details. And take a peek at their editorial rate estimator, while you’re at it.

Editorial Services Explained
Editorial Rates Estimated

Allison Baker, Almost 30

“I was continually impressed by Rory’s skill as a writer. The copy she submitted was creative, compelling, and clean. She quickly grasped the unique tone and style of the Almost 30 brand.

Rory is also a born editor with a sharp eye for detail. I could immediately sense her passion for writing and editing, and it carried into every task she tackled.”

Shelly Bond, Executive Editor at OffRegister.press

Aurora was a top student in my Comics Editing class in the spring of 2025. She exhibited all the traits I recommend in a new hire: Strong creative/communications skills, professional demeanor/works well with others, total engagement in the task at hand, and most important: not afraid to get the job done on deadline.

Roxanne Treece, Director of Doctoral & Multidisciplinary Studies, Portland State University

It is a pleasure to write this recommendation! I supervised Rory in the position of Format Editor in the Graduate School at Portland State University from September 2023 through June 2025. In this position, Rory deftly managed several duties including (but not limited to) format review of theses and dissertations for compliance with our institutional formatting requirements, communication with students about their format review, maintaining information in spreadsheets and systems/databases, and creating content and presenting online sessions for students. She also created new content and resources for our web-based formatting information; of particular note was her development of our first PDF handbook for students which consolidated all of our information into an easily searchable resource.

Rory was a wonderful ambassador for format review (a requirement that most students dread) and supported our students in many ways during the process. I can’t say how much I appreciated her positive approach to the work and the students. She’s efficient, proficient, learns quickly, and has an infectious enthusiasm for work and learning. I was continuously impressed with her work ethic, initiative, and creativity. Importantly, I could depend on Rory to be reliable and communicate—I never had to wonder about the status of the reviews and projects or her schedule as a busy graduate student. Rory was not only a delight to work with, she was also a valuable asset to our team. I highly recommend her!