References and Recommendations

As a first-time author, I envisioned the editing process to focus on technical issues. While grammar, organization and voice are all integral to the writing process, Ellen’s assistance as my editor provided support over and above the nuts and bolts of writing a book. Her guidance made the daunting journey a partnership and a viable possibility. Ellen mentored me when I faltered, and encouraged me to push beyond what I thought my capabilities were as a writer. I appreciated her sensitivity when we encountered difficult subject matter. Her gentleness and positive attitude created a sense of safety in a process that was full of pitfalls and endless creative choices. Ellen helped me to organize my thoughts, thereby clarifying what I really wanted to write about. Not only did Ellen assist with writing, she was able to guide me with all aspects of the book design. I could rely on her prompt response to questions and she was always available for discussion. Ellen’s stellar editorial skills influenced the outcome of my book as a project I can be proud of. I can’t imagine a better editor.

— kAY hENNING dANLEY, AUTHOR, a LEAF IN THE WIND

 I am writing to express my appreciation for the incredible support you have provided for the Architect of the Capitol over the last five years. Our colleagues regularly offer their appreciation and admiration for your thorough copy editing on our varied communication products. Your talent, professonialism and high quality of work have been a true asset to the agency. You have been a valued member of our Legislative and Public Affairs team. I am grateful for your support and wish you all the best.

— SAMUEL FRANCO, Acting Director, Legislative and Public Affairs, Architect of the Capitol

i was referred to Ellen by a good friend who had had an exceptionally positive experience with Ellen as an editor for her mother’s memoir.  At the time, I was attempting to complete a rather straight forward history of my life.  As a former professor having written numerous articles and books, I was having difficulty switching writing modes—from academic writing to a more personal, “memoir” style manuscript.  I also needed basic editing assistance.  Luckily I found Ellen.  I can’t say enough about Ellen’s superb editing skills, assistance in thinking through formatting and structural issues, as well as general suggestions.  Her input was invaluable.  Always available to talk through issues, never judgmental (I had worried about her reaction to some of the grittier details of my life) and always supportive and encouraging I felt incredibly lucky for her help and companionship over a very personal document.  Ellen is an exceptionally gifted editor and a very warm and caring individual. Finding Ellen was a real gift and I can’t recommend her highly enough.  

— pAT pHELAN

For two years, Ellen has been an outstanding writing coach for the Willamette University MBA Management Writing Program. She consistently provides actionable feedback on a variety of student writing assignments including professional bios, resumes and cover letters, case memos, and executive summaries. Ellen goes above and beyond by providing students with additional resources and guidance. I have enjoyed supervising Ellen remotely for the last year. She is flexible and easy to work with. I appreciate how Ellen completes work on or ahead of schedule and informs promptly if issues come up. She is a valuable asset to our writing team!

— Sarah Kutten, Willamette University, Atkinson School of Management

I have been consistently impressed with the attention to detail that Ellen provides in all of the copy-editing projects she has completed for me at Bookbright Media. From the first project she submitted it was clear that she had read and considered all the project specs and guidelines and thoroughly implemented them. That attention to detail is evident not only in her work but also in her professional approach. It is always a pleasure to receive an email from Ellen; her light-hearted can-do demeanor shines through even during the most challenging projects. The fact that I can trust her to have her projects submitted before deadline and to bring unforeseen issues to my attention makes my job so much easier. Thank you Ellen for being a great copy editor and a wonderful collaborator!

— Jamie Vidich, BookBright Media

A word of recommendation for Ellen Graham: Ms. Graham and I worked together for several years as lead technical editors and XML authors in the electric utility industry. We battled many technical authoring and conversion projects with massive deliverables, on very tight timeframes. One can't help but notice while working with Ellen that she's truly enthusiastic, and extremely hard-working. She's thoroughly accurate as a technical editor, and is a gifted writer (with grammar, of course, but also in craft), with amazing interpersonal skills and charm. Ellen supports over 70 subject matter experts and writers in a fast-paced business involving large-revenue projects, reliability, and human safety. Her levity and ease while working with people under stress, whether in person or overseas on a phone line, is a gift to any group in which she works. We became Flare / XML authoring software experts together (at Pacific Power). Ellen is also a keen illustrator and photographer, is an expert with the Adobe Creative Suite. So much so that I asked her to edit my wedding photos.

— Sara Regan, Technical Writer, Insitu, UAS engineering & production

I worked with Ellen over the period of two years on multiple projects, many of which were complex and time-sensitive. Ellen was always ahead of the curve and was always a great pleasure to work with. Her editing skills and attention to detail helped make our projects run very smoothly and minimized revisions and I hope to get to work with her again someday.

— Stephan Williams, Power Engineer, Energy Storage Focused

Ellen's strength lies in recognizing the means to accomplishing the goal of any challenge she is given and working diligently and positively to achieve success in a timely manner. She is a terrific problem-solver--dependable, articulate, creative, flexible, and mature. In short, Ellen is a critically-thinking colleague for whom excellence is important and who can be trusted to complete projects with superb results. She was an absolute joy to work with.

— Beth Iskander, Independent Photographs Specialist, formerly with Sotheby’s and Time Inc.

One of the brightest and most creative individuals I ever had the pleasure of working with. Fun too!

— Marthe Smith, Fine Art Photography professional.