Editing
Matt is a sharp, effective editor who loves to take existing content from companies, organizations and individuals and make it more clear, concise and dynamic. This includes:
Substantive (developmental) editing: thorough analysis of the piece (website, article, blog post, book, etc.) for voice, tone, flow, organization, clarity, meaning, appropriateness, completeness and style. This may include raising questions about what the writer is trying to say, whether the content communicates effectively with the target audience (for example, use of technical jargon), where the story is going and whether it has logical or narrative holes, and specific suggestions for improvement, including the option of partial rewriting.
Copy (line) editing: identifying and making necessary rules-based changes to the content, including:
- Grammar, spelling, sentence structure and punctuation
- Word choice and variety
- Active vs. passive voice
Matt takes a results-oriented approach learned from legal practice, adding tremendous value in helping clients reach and even exceed their goals. These include:
- Successful written appeals and promotions in the workplace
- Articles published in prestigious academic journals
- Successful Ph.D. dissertation defense
- Graphic novel, website, pitch package and video game development materials for sci-fi property that exceeded Indiegogo crowdfunding goals
- Education textbook intro and chapter published
Writing
Matt has unique writing skills honed in the worlds of law and media. The result is a combination of precision and style that his clients find extremely valuable. Matt has experience writing in a wide variety of print and online media, including:
- Websites
- Online articles
- Blogs
- Academic papers for publication (familiar with APA guidelines)
- Graphic novels
- Comic books
- Ebooks
- Media kits
- Legal documents
- Scripts
- Corporate communications
Political Consulting, Communications and Strategy
Matt has developed a specialty in political communications. His political writings have been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the Daily Kos, Crooks and Liars and other national media. At Bold Blue Media Alliance, Inc., Matt provided political communications consulting, strategy and content to candidates and campaigns. Matt also been a co-host and is a regular guest on various political talk radio shows and podcasts, discussing topics such as political messaging and elections. In 2011, Matt founded the Messaging Matters blog which focuses on political communications, messaging and framing.