Donald Powers
Copyeditor and writing coach
I'm a meticulous copyeditor and highly experienced writing teacher. I can help you improve your writing – making it tighter, clearer and easier to read.
About
I have a PhD in English literature and more than 20 years' experience as a copyeditor and teacher of writing. I am the co-author of Become a Better Writer: How to Write with Clarity and Simplicity (2022).
From 2004 to 2014 I taught English literature at the University of Cape Town, and thereafter English for a year and a half at two Berlitz language schools in Germany.
Since 2017, as head of training at Clarity Global Strategic Communications, I have delivered clear-writing courses to more than 750 professionals in government, business and the development sector.
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Since becoming an editor in 2014 I have worked on diverse material: from academic theses, articles and books to research reports, blogs, speeches and slide decks.
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I work primarily with professionals producing nonfiction - academics, economists, business executives, researchers and subject-matter experts.
Whether you need editing support or guidance with writing, I'd love to help.
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Services
Copyediting and proofreading
A comprehensive review of your document to ensure it is error-free, stylistically consistent, crisp, clear and engaging.
Editorial consultation
Advice on how to structure your document effectively, refine your language and make complex content accessible.
Writing coaching
Guidance to strengthen your writing skills – from word choice, sentence structure and paragraphing to tone, messaging and storyline.
You can write better. We all can.
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Improving your writing starts with rethinking your assumptions and building healthier writing habits. This slim, engaging book will help you do both. It provides principles and tips to help you make your writing more accessible and meaningful to your target audiences. The examples discussed are derived from real-world material particularly relevant to the African context. It will be especially useful to writers of nonfiction.
Become a better writer
Donald edited my PhD thesis proposal, thesis and a conference paper. His professionalism, attention to detail and deep understanding of academic writing greatly improved the clarity, structure and overall quality of my work. He provided thoughtful feedback while preserving my voice and ideas. His support made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend his editing services to any individual or organisation seeking high-quality support.
Dr Duduzile Rance
Teaching Fellow,
Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation,
University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Donald edited two book manuscripts and several essays for me. I find his linguistic sensitivity, grasp of argument, eye for detail and reliability incomparable, and I recommend him to anyone looking for high-quality editing. Working with him has been a pleasure.
Prof. Dr Kai Wiegandt
Professor of Literature
Barenboim-Said Akademie, Berlin
Donald is an exceptional editor and excellent person to have on your team. You can always count on him to enhance content so that your content is clear and concise and minimal clients changes are needed. He works in a highly professional and efficient way and inspires everyone who works with him to be better. There are few people who are as smart, reliable and pleasant to work with.
