I'm Michael LaRocca, an independent professional proofreader and editor. I've been editing professionally since 1991, including more than 300 published novels, and I've worked with publishers and authors on five continents.
My experience spans fiction, magazine publishing, medical research papers, technical manuals, textbooks, journalism, marketing copy, and business documents. I've also built long-term editorial relationships with clients including Capture Planning, Erin Donley Communications, Cigar Snob Magazine, and Shine Press.
I began my editing career at Eastern Instruments (1991–1999), turning engineers' dense technical writing into clear, readable prose. In 1999, I left to teach English in China, where I spent six years teaching while also editing more than 300 published novels for U.S. publishers.
Next came five years in Thailand, editing medical papers for peer-reviewed journals while building Michael Edits into my full-time business. After a year in Hanoi, I returned to the United States in 2011 to continue writing and proofreading.
Over the years, I've edited just about everything: technical manuals, novels, medical papers, bids and proposals, textbooks, business blogs, newsletters, magazines, journalism, and marketing copy. If I haven't edited it yet, I'll tip my metaphorical hat to you.
And yes, I can work fast. I once edited an entire issue of Cigar Snob in two days. But speed isn't the same as quality, and I'd rather take the time to do the job right unless you genuinely need a rush turnaround.
My clients have included native and non-native English speakers, accomplished authors, first-time writers, and people overcoming daunting physical challenges to tell their stories. Their subjects have been diverse enough to make me look impressively knowledgeable when my lovely wife and I watch Jeopardy! together.
Outside work, I taught myself piano at 51 and guitar at 54. Thirty of my books, mostly novels, are currently in print. I love dogs, cats, lifelong learning, bicycles, hiking, the NFL, and, of course, my lovely wife.
My working life has been almost as varied as the material I've edited. Before and alongside my editing career, I've worked as a medical lecturer, English teacher, technical editor, purchasing manager, computer programmer, repo man, unarmed security guard with a bad attitude, dishwasher, busboy, military electronics specialist, house cleaner, gas pumper, car washer, and pet sitter.
I've even been paid to masturbate boars. But I made sure nobody took photos.
Professional Proofreading & Editing for Publishers
Contact Michael at michaeledits3@gmail.com to discuss your project.