The Cultivated Word

About

Hi, I’m Marie Burke, a line editor, copyeditor, and proofreader, with a passion for helping writers communicate in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. My approach combines meticulous attention to detail with a personal touch, ensuring that every project reflects your vision. With a strong emphasis on professionalism and reliability, I offer skillful, deadline-driven services tailored to meet your specific needs. I am well-versed in The Chicago Manual of Style, The Associated Press Stylebook, and the US Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual guidelines.

My expertise is in editing nonfiction and I have experience editing the following: newsletters, annual reports, grant proposals, white papers and other policy documents, strategic plans, development assessment reports, and solicitation letters, as well as memoir excerpts.

My primary interest is in working with individuals, nonprofits, universities, and other organizations promoting social justice issues, including criminal justice reform, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as editing memoirs.

“The Cultivated Word” was inspired by my love of gardening, a form of meditation for me, when my mind is still, and focused solely in the moment. When I’m editing, I feel a similar sense of focus. From a young age, immersing myself in words has always made me feel centered and brought me joy.

Originally from Massachusetts, I’ve been based in the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 25 years.

In addition to working as a freelance editor, my professional experience includes working as a lawyer in private practice as well as in the federal government. Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked at a major research university in the Greater Boston area. Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed honing my writing and editing skills and now I use those skills to focus on what I’m most passionate about: helping nonfiction writers fine-tune their prose to inform and engage readers.

If you’re interested, you can learn more about my professional experience click here to learn more.

I’m Marie Burke — a professional editor specializing in nonfiction and business writing. Whether you need a careful line edit or a detailed copyedit, I tailor my services to fit your style—and deliver on deadline.

With an eye for detail and an ear for each writer’s unique voice, I bring sensitivity and good humor to every project. My goal is to refine your writing so your ideas resonate with clarity and authenticity.

Before launching The Cultivated Word, I worked as a lawyer, both in private practice and in the federal government. Earlier in my career, I spent ten years in university administration. With this varied background, I draw on more than three decades of experience that taught me the value of clarity, precision, and well-reasoned communication across disciplines. This experience sharpened my ability to balance detail with big-picture perspective, skills I bring to every editing project.

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Whether I’m refining a grant proposal, an annual report, or a personal memoir, my goal is the same: to ensure your message connects with the readers who matter most.

Over the years, I’ve edited a wide range of nonfiction materials, including:

  • Newsletters and annual reports
  • Grant proposals and white papers
  • Strategic plans and policy documents
  • Development assessments and solicitation letters
  • Memoirs and personal essays
  • Book-length travel guides

Before launching The Cultivated Word, I worked as a lawyer, both in private practice and in the federal government. Earlier in my career, I spent ten years in university administration. With this varied background, I draw on more than three decades of experience that taught me the value of clarity, precision, and well-reasoned communication across disciplines. This experience sharpened my ability to balance detail with big-picture perspective, skills I bring to every editing project.

Whether I’m refining a grant proposal, an annual report, or a personal memoir, my goal is the same: to ensure your message connects with the readers who matter most.

Over the years, I’ve edited a wide range of nonfiction materials, including:

  • Newsletters and annual reports
  • Grant proposals and white papers
  • Strategic plans and policy documents
  • Development assessments and solicitation letters
  • Memoirs and personal essays
  • Book-length travel guides
VIEW RESUMÉ

“The Cultivated Word” was inspired by my love of gardening, a form of meditation for me, when my mind is still, and focused solely in the moment. When I’m editing, I feel a similar sense of focus.

From a young age, immersing myself in words has always made me feel centered and brought me joy.

From a young age, immersing myself in words has always made me feel centered and brought me joy.