About me

I’m Rachel Porter, a native Californian living in the Netherlands.

I have a background in history and in baking, and a lifelong passion for reading. For 15+ years, I have edited a variety of writing, including novels, recipes, academic writing, websites, and business manuals. I have been working with clients since 2020, when I completed UCSD’s copyediting certificate program.

Sharing your writing with the world takes courage. To honor that courage, I will edit your words with professionalism and respect. I act as an advocate for your reader, so that your audience can absorb your message as you intend it, without confusion or distraction.

Each edit I make is driven by the desire to maintain the integrity of your message while enhancing its impact. Your words deserve to be presented flawlessly, and I'm here to make that a reality.

I am a native speaker of American English. I have also formally studied Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, and German. I deeply understand the structure of language and the complexities of expressing yourself in a non-native tongue.

Among many identities, I am a neurodivergent woman. If you’re interested in neuro-affirming support for your writing, including free virtual body doubling, check out the other side of my business, Authentic Voice Editorial.

My interests

I love to learn and to explore. I earned a BA in the history of the Ancient Mediterranean from UC Berkeley, where I received honors on my senior thesis, The Economies of Identity: The Cult of Isis and the Roman West in the First Two Centuries CE.

In addition to reading and writing, my special interests include history generally, the history of Europe, and the history of the ancient Mediterranean; baking and its history; sewing, embroidery, and textile arts and their history; beading and jewelry making; nature, gardening, herbalism, and the history of witchcraft; spiritual traditions; folk crafts and traditions; travel, languages, local food, and cultural traditions.

Check out my profile on The Story Graph to see what books I’ve read and what I’m reading now.