Michael LaRocca is an independent professional proofreader and editor who has been editing professionally since 1991. His work has included more than 300 published novels, magazine publishing, medical research papers, technical manuals, textbooks, journalism, marketing copy, and business documents. He has worked with publishers and authors on five continents and has maintained long-term editorial relationships with publications including Cigar Snob Magazine.
I started my editing journey at Eastern Instruments (1991–1999), turning engineers’ dense tech writing into clear, readable text. In 1999 I left to teach English in China for six years and edited over 300 published novels. Then came five years in Thailand editing medical papers for peer-reviewed journals while turning Michael Edits into my full-time work. After a year in Hanoi, I returned to the U.S. in 2011 to keep writing and proofreading.
I’ve worked on almost everything: technical manuals, novels, medical papers, bids & proposals, textbooks, blogs, newsletters, magazines, journalism, marketing copy — you name it. If I haven’t edited it yet, I’ll tip my metaphorical hat to you.
Yes, I can be fast — I've edited an entire issue of Cigar Snob in two days — but I prefer not to rush unless you truly need it.
My clients span five continents (I missed South America and Antarctica), native and non-native English speakers, authors whose skills impress the heck out of me and others who've never written before and swear they never will again, authors overcoming daunting physical challenges to tell their stories, and a diverse enough range of topics to let me impress my wife every time we watch Jeopardy together.
I taught myself piano at 51 and guitar at 54. I love dogs, cats, lifelong learning, bicycles, hiking, the NFL, and of course my lovely wife.
Professional Proofreading & Editing for Publishers
Contact michaeledits3@gmail.com