Do you feel at a loss for words, literally? Do you have copy you need written or finessed with a keen editor’s eye? Maybe you have a great idea or product but you’re lacking the right words to get your message across. Maybe you might even feel less-than, or like you can’t get things right. There also may be some trepidation. You know you need writing or editing help – and maybe it’s something you’ve considered but haven’t prioritized – yet you feel stuck and not confident in what that looks like, or where to even begin.
I’m passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and what they are offering. Words are a valuable expression of sharing your message, and proper writing and editing will help that message shine rather than be masked by poor verbiage, grammar, punctuation … the list goes on.
Writing and editing isn’t just what I do; it’s at the heart of who I am. I’ve studied the craft of writing extensively and used it professionally for more than 15 years. I’ve also taught it to others at a university, through workshops, and at speaking engagements. Throughout my career, I’ve practiced it continually as a magazine editor who became a children’s book author, then ventured into content strategy before diving into what I’ve always wanted to do: owning my own business as a professional writer and editor.
I have always had a love of writing. My stories from childhood included a donkey named Papyrus and overuse of the words “dazzling” and “desolate.” I’ve since polished my craft, publishing a children’s book and writing some yet-to-be-published novels which each feature a strong female lead with wisdom, wit, and warmth surrounding the themes of family, love, and the ties that bond us all. My novels take influence from one of my great loves: travel. I also dabble in some poetry just for fun — but maybe for sharing at some point, too.
I grew my freelance business from a side hustle at previous jobs, where I was a magazine editor at various Arizona lifestyle publications and a content strategist at a tech company. During that time, I also taught professional writing at Grand Canyon University and published my children’s book. Eventually, I took the leap into making my side hustle my full-time focus.
Born and raised in Dallas, I studied journalism at the University of Oklahoma and then got a master’s degree in professional writing there, where I found some of my most encouraging readers and inspirational mentors.
My wanderlust took me to San Francisco, California, before I moved to Arizona, where I currently live. During my free time, I love hanging out with my rescue pup (a poodle-bichon named Hope) and dreaming of the next place I’ll travel.
Contact me at chelsea@chelseayoung.com for a free consultation.